CONCERNED residents have spoken out over issues of antisocial behaviour and fly-tipping in their town.

Residents have contacted Durham County Council following a spate of fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour on George and Freville Street in Shildon.

One resident claimed he had reported the issues several times but said nothing had been done.

He said: "In the lighter months, certain people sat on chairs and drank alcohol which meant cars couldn't get through. This also intimidated other people who live on George Street. There's always shouting and swearing which won't be nice for families.

"Both the streets are littered with bags of rubbish and mess which is left there for weeks. I’ve been complaining to Durham County Council's antisocial behaviour team about the issues for months. They said they would look into it but nothing has happened and I was told the complaint was closed.

“Something needs to be done about the state of the streets and the boarded up houses and behaviour. I feel sorry for the families who live there – they're like the ghettos.”

Joanne Waller, Durham County Council’s head of community protection, said: “Our ASB intervention team are aware of the situation and are working in partnership with the police to investigate each incident reported to us.

“The littering and fly-tipping has been removed from the area and we will continue to monitor the situation and take action where appropriate.”

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We are aware of some issues regarding antisocial behaviour in these areas and we are working with the council to tackle it.”

Shildon Town Council said they had received reports from concerned residents and recently took part in a multi-agency walkabout to investigate.

A spokesperson said: “We are aware of the issues. There was recently a multi-agency walkabout which saw issues identified and reported."