ELEVEN vehicles were seized in the latest crackdown on anti-social behaviour in a former pit village.

Traffic officers stopped and checked vehicles in a three-hour operation as part of the three-month campaign.

The vehicles were seized for having no tax and the drivers of a further four untaxed vehicles were warned. Fixed penalty notices for driving offences were also issued.

Three men were arrested, including an asylum seeker whose application to stay in this country is believed to have been refused.

He was handed to the Immigration Service, which released him on condition he reports to it daily.

The operation, which started on October 18, is the first of its kind in the county and involves a big increase in street patrols.

The first phase targeted 200 homes in the Vicarage Flats, Dunelm Court and Redwood areas. Other locations will be targeted later.

Sergeant Colin Williamson, leader of the local beat team, said: "One of the three men arrested was a failed asylum seeker, another was arrested for an alleged drugs offence and the third was arrested for being in possession of offensive weapons.

"This operation by traffic officers was the first, but it will be repeated on a regular basis over the coming weeks."