POLICE told concerned councillors and residents this week that they will solve the anti-social behaviour problems in Middleton St George.

On Monday, Sgt Mark Ralphs of Darlington police told the parish council that there had been an increase in police presence around the village.

He said officers were working to stop youths using bushes and undergrowth in the water park as drinking dens and hideouts.

He said: "We are trying to do something to get the message across that they are not allowed in the water park.

"Last Friday, we searched 25 youths and told them that they are not allowed in there. We are pushing them out into other parts of the village where we can see them.

"The specials will also be coming up in the next two weeks. We will solve the problem but it will take time."

Coun Brian Jones said that he thought the police were on the right track.

"Anti-social behaviour is affecting the quality of life for the people in the village," he said.

Chairman Coun Doris Jones said that during a meeting with a crime prevention officer in the water park, he was assaulted by a group of youths.

"I'm losing patience with these kids," she said. "Over the summer, we offered the community centre free of charge and the community group and youth leaders put on a fantastic programme of activities nominated by the children.

"One night a week a bus would also come and pick them up and take them to the Dolphin Centre, in Darlington, and bring them home for £1.

"But not one of them has taken it up. I found it very sad and embarrassing."

She said that the bottoms of a number of hedgerows would be removed from the water park without spoiling the trees. New black and gold railings would also be installed to replace the old wall.

Coun Jones added: "We won't give up on the kids."