Groups of underage teen drinkers have been condemned by council officials after taking over two patches of green space in County Durham and ditching their empty cans, BBQ’s, and rubbish.

Since the start of the week, wardens from Durham County Council have been patrolling several sites in the region – ensuring that natural beauty spots and parks are ready for people to enjoy.

Despite finding most of the sites they visited in pristine condition – the officials have now blasted two locations that are filled with underage drinkers and rubbish dumps.

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While visiting Tanfield, near Durham, and Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street earlier this week – wardens have been confronted by underage teens carrying crates of beer, bottles of vodka and lit BBQs.

When approached – the underage drinkers have reportedly run off and left a trail of litter.

Taking to their social media page on Thursday (July 22) – the wardens have now sent a warning to the teenagers responsible, as well as their parents.

The Northern Echo: Riverside Park in Chester-le-Street has been the site of anti-social behaviour. Picture: DCC WARDENSRiverside Park in Chester-le-Street has been the site of anti-social behaviour. Picture: DCC WARDENS

Their post read: “Whilst the school holidays approach, more young people from Tanfield underage drinking and leaving behind their mess for someone else to clean up.

“Please speak to your children with regards to this behaviour.”

The Northern Echo: A group of teens run away from council officials in Tanfield. Picture: DCC WARDENSA group of teens run away from council officials in Tanfield. Picture: DCC WARDENS

This incident in Tanfield follows on from a similar incident on Monday (July 18), which saw the wardens post the message: “The aftermath of Anti-Social Behaviour in Riverside Park, Chester Le Street.

“Large groups of youths have been gathering here underage drinking, littering, and graffitiing.

The Northern Echo: The rubbish left at Tanfield. Picture: DCC WARDENSThe rubbish left at Tanfield. Picture: DCC WARDENS

“Patrols will be carried out with our partners at Chester-le-Street Police over the next few weeks. 

“If you know your children are in this area, please make them aware.”

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