A MAJORITY of residents in two east Durham communities have cited anti-social behaviour as their main concern where they live.

The householders in Wingate and the Edenhill area of Peterlee were given the opportunity to take part in a survey through the Communities First project.

The investigation revealed that nearly 70 per cent of residents rated teenagers hanging around on the streets as their primary concern.

In addition, 67 per cent of residents said they were worried by vandalism to bus shelters and public telephones. Swift Research, of Wetherby, carried out the study on behalf of the Communities First project.

The research focused on people's views on crime, social and physical disorders, community safety and policing in the two wards of the Easington District.

The results of the survey will be used to provide a benchmark against which the impact of forthcoming interventions can be measured.

Researchers will contact people in a year's time to see if the situation has improved.