PLANS to spend up to £40,000 on public art in a former north Durham mining town to tackle anti-social behaviour have been revealed.

Durham County Council has received a planning application to install five six-metre high steel tree structures near Stanley Bus Station in the town centre.

The proposal, from Stanley Town Council, also includes the installation of four real trees and the replacement of benches in the area.

In its design and access statement, which forms part of the application, the town council said: “The open space in front of the bus station, which connects with Front Street, does not perform well as part of Stanley’s public realm and has been abused by some groups of young people.

“Many people in Stanley find that this has created an intimidating atmosphere and the area is in danger of becoming further degraded as a result of anti-social behaviour.”

Shops and offices were demolished to break through to Front Street following the building of the £4m new bus interchange in 2005.

Several years ago classical music was piped into the bus station to deter youths from using it as somewhere to congregate.

But the area continues to be blighted by unruly behaviour from disruptive young people.

It is hoped the artwork, by Glasgow-based sculptor Ally Wallace, will help create a lively and attractive place and has been dubbed Stanley Heart.

PC Michael McGowan, from Durham Police, said the problem centres around youths drinking and playing football in the area.

He said: “Although some may see this as not such a big problem it has an impact on people’s fear of crime and confidence in the local police and partners.

“Tactics such as high visibility patrols, engagement and of course the artwork are all part of the process of reducing anti social-behaviour.

“The artwork is part of the ongoing work to change the environment of the area surrounding the bus station and my role as part of the steering group has been to advise on what is suitable to reduce anti-social behaviour."