SURELY it is time please gentlemen to put the boot in and shoo away unruly drinkers and behaviour in Darlington town square.

The contrast on the square so stark. On one side a bright, friendly council-run sports centre attracting youth and healthy living, coupled with really good cafe bar attempts for alfresco culture. The riverside improvements lay as yet unwalked and not appreciated.

As a parent of three sporting kids, I pick up and drop off in town square most days during the week and I am dismayed as to what it is becoming.

From 4pm it is hideous blood curdling blasts of Oasis’ ‘Wonderwall’ karaoke.

Either they only have one song or don’t know the words to any others. Overweight 30-somethings spill their spare tyres out of teenage lycra tops in an atmosphere which would be unwelcoming at 11pm let alone in the middle of afternoon.

I am sick of putting my windows up in my car in order not to subject my young children to the disgusting language and gestures that come from the pubs on the other side, though it still doesn’t drown out Wonderwall!

So maybe, you gotta be the one that saves me, cos after all licencing officer, get out of your town hall, and make our square pleasant again for families and kids please.

Disgruntled parent and Darlington resident