COMMUNITY leaders on a Darlington estate are writing to police to ask for their help in clamping down on increasingly serious levels of anti-social behaviour.

Branksome residents have complained about youngsters swearing, using fireworks as weapons and daubing graffiti on doors.

An 82-year-old woman was said to be "absolutely petrified" when youths threw half a brick through the window of her car. And a bus carrying children recently had its window smashed.

Gangs of 30 to 40 youths, who are drinking around shops in Whitby Way, are intimidating residents.

Branksome Residents' Association has asked the Cockerton West Partnership to write to Superintendent Mick Banks, at Darlington Police, to ask for the town's anti-social behaviour unit to target the estate.

Community development worker Sarah Kasagic told a meeting of the partnership: "I have drafted a letter in which we are asking for a greater police presence at lunchtimes and at 3.30pm, when Branksome School finishes, particularly at the shops on Whitby Way.

"We need a consistent approach, targeting both during the week and also at weekends, and that we also make sure we get a community approach to working with local residents.

"I am personally getting a lot of complaints about anti-social behaviour, foul language and litter, to quite serious violence and criminal damage.

"When I spoke to one of the sergeants today, he confirmed we are on a par with Skerne Park with levels of anti-social behaviour and serious incidents as well."

Branksome School deputy headteacher Bernie Coyne said the problem was spilling over into school, with some pupils being victimised.

Community Inspector Sue Collingwood said she was aware of the problem and she was aiming to boost the numbers of beat officers on the estate.

She said: "Branksome is an area where there have been problems recently, and so we are looking at an initial response through the beat officers. But that doesn't mean the area is getting a lesser response than anywhere else.

"We will be taking a tough line on anti-social behaviour, and if any youngsters are stepping out of line in Branksome they can expect a very firm line from police officers.

"Serious anti-social behaviour or under-age drinking has a consequence. We are going to enforce our powers."