ENFORCEMENT officers and the police will be on patrol across Darlington for the Easter Bank Holiday weekend, the council has said.

Darlington Borough Council branded scenes of mess strewn across beauty spots as 'disgusting,' as it warned against a repeat of Tuesday.

Earlier this week, beaches and beauty spots across the region were pictured covered by rubbish as many celebrated the first hot day since restrictions were eased.

Mum and daughter spend morning clearing up rubbish left at Darlington spot

Shocking scenes after Tynemouth beach left ruined by rubbish

In Darlington, the council said a deluge of litter had been left at spots including Broken Scar, The Denes, Tommy Crooks Park, West Park, Low Coniscliffe and Eastbourne Park.

It said that Street Scene staff and scores of volunteers had been working across the town to clear up the mess left by "irresponsible" people.

Ian Thompson, Assistant Director Community Services at Darlington Borough Council, said littering from the week had meant staff were unable to carry out their normal jobs.

He said: “Following the recent good weather, the state some of our public spaces were left in was disgusting.

“We are grateful to those volunteers who decided to help our Street Scene teams with the clear up. While staff are clearing away this rubbish, they are unable to do their normal jobs and so other areas of the town are missing out.

“It is great that we are now able to meet friends and family members outside in a socially distanced way but as we enter the Easter Bank Holiday weekend I would urge everyone to be responsible and take your litter home or use a bin.

“Don’t rely on someone else to deal with your mess – your rubbish is your responsibility.”

The council warned that its civic enforcement officers and the police will be on patrol across the town during the Easter break.

It said if anyone has any concerns about anti-social behaviour, they should call Durham Police on 101 or Darlington Council's civic enforcement team on 01325 406 999.