A County Durham graveyard has been taken over by groups of kids that have damaged gravestones, destroyed ornaments on top of graves, and left drug paraphernalia strewn across the site.

Members of the public that live near to Great Lumley Graveyard are said to be “fed up” of the constant anti-social behaviour that happens at the site on a daily basis.

For the last few months, residents have reported seeing damage to the graveyard equipment, teenagers leaving litter on gravestones, and constant drug use on the premises.

After residents complained to the council and neighbourhood policing team, Durham County Council and Durham Police has committed to extra patrols to prevent incidents of this kind moving forward.

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There will also be extra patrols and more vigilance on Millennium Green Park in Chester-le-Street, which has also faced an increase in anti-social behaviour in recent times.

A spokesperson for Durham County Council’s neighbourhood wardens said: “Neighbourhood Wardens will be stepping up patrols along with Chester-le-Street Police at Great Lumley Graveyard and Millennium Green due to an increase of Anti-Social Behaviour.

“Reports have been received that youths have been seen to cause damage to graveyard equipment, along with leaving litter and drug paraphernalia around, making the area look unsightly.

“Anyone who witnesses Anti-Social Behaviour is asked to call 101 at the time of the incident so that the closest resource can be dispatched.

“We will take the appropriate enforcement action against anyone seen to cause Anti-Social Behaviour.”

Despite the police and council response to the graveyard issues, residents are angered at having the “constant” noise and disruption next to their homes.

One resident, who lives near to the graveyard but wished to remain anonymous, told The Northern Echo: “Large groups will come to the graveyard and make a massive mess, smash bottles, and destroy ornaments left on the graves – it’s massively disrespectful.”

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