RESIDENTS, youths and police have vowed to stamp out anti-social disorder in their village.

The growing problem of youths causing nuisance in Middleton St George, near Darlington, was addressed at a community partnership meeting attended by 80 people.

Chief inspector Graham Hall, community inspector Sue Collingwood and local beat officer Sergeant Mark Ralphs, of Darlington police, also attended the meeting, as well as a handful of young people.

"Local people are concerned about youths hanging around on street corners and in bus shelters. Some have suffered tremendously from vandalism," said district and parish councillor Doris Jones.

"The meeting gave them a chance to speak to the police about their worries and come up with initiatives."

In the past month, eight cases of youths causing annoyance were reported to police.

Insp Collingwood said: "We understand the affects youths can have on a community, but the community needs to look at what there is for youths to do to occupy their time. We need to work together on this one."

A weekly meeting has been set up for youngsters in the community hall, allowing them to meet friends and talk with two outreach workers about their concerns or ideas.

Volunteers from the special constabulary have also been supplementing the village's police patrols.

Coun Jones said: "Youngsters need to know that if there is anything we can do to improve things for them then we will try, but at the same time they need to show respect for the village. It is a two way process."