POLICE have taken action to solve a problem with youths gathering outside a supermarket in a Teesdale village.

A youth shelter in Cockfield has been lit up in an attempt to encourage youths to use it instead of congregating outside the Co-op store.

Several residents of Cockfield raised concerns with police about the youths who, it was felt, were intimidating passers-by.

Police talked to the young people, who said they were congregating there because it was lit.

Although the local play area had a youth shelter, it was not lit, which made it a no-go area in the winter.

Police got the support of Cockfield Parish Council, and through the Wear and Tees Community Safety Partnership, funding was obtained to install lights at the youth shelter.

PC Jeremy Downing, of Barnard Castle police, said: "The process took time, however, it was worth it.

"This lighting is for the benefit of the young people at Cockfield. I am grateful to everyone involved in making this happen."