ALCOHOL has been seized from teenagers at a County Durham beauty spot after members of the public alerted authorities to persistent underage drinking over the last few months.
Teams from the neighbourhood policing team and council officials attended Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield yesterday (March 28) evening after reports of young people drinking were made by locals.
After attending the park, a significant quantity of alcohol was taken from the youths – including beers and two bottles of other alcohol – after the teenagers couldn’t provide officers with proof of age.
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Following the incident, both the police and Durham County Council have called on parents to encourage their children to make sensible and positive choices.
A spokesperson for Durham County Council’s warden team said: “Neighbourhood Wardens have been called to Hardwick Park after concerned local people alerted them to young people drinking.
“On the approach to the park, several youths with alcohol were stopped and unable to provide officers with proof of identification so the alcohol was seized.
“The team are asking for parents to encourage a responsible attitude in their children regarding their own safety and consideration for other members of the public who use this popular dog walking site.
“We are continuing to work with Durham Police and the young people frequenting this popular site to highlight the dangers and encourage responsible behaviour.”
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