A DOCTORS' surgery is being vandalised by youths gathering in its grounds at night.

Dr Ahmet Fuat, of Carmel Surgery, in Nunnery Lane, in the West End of Darlington, said there were often large groups of youths loitering near the surgery drinking.

"We have had loads of vandalism," he said.

"We have had bricks through the windows, and so we have had to put grills up. There is often pools of vomit everywhere. These gangs of youths are getting alcohol from somewhere. You wonder if their parents are aware."

Dr Fuat said that if he had a late patient to see at the surgery, he often had to pick his way through the youths hanging around, which was intimidating for patients.

He said he had tried to ask the youths to move on, but they get abusive. The surgery now employs a cleaner and gardener to clear rubbish left behind by the youths.

A spokesman for Darlington MP Alan Milburn said anti-social behaviour was a national issue and that the town was no different to anywhere else, in that it was a minority that caused the problems.