BOY-RACERS are using the Internet to organise race meetings in a seaside town.

A report into the problem at Seaton Carew coach park, near Hartlepool, will be considered by the local council tonight.

Police say the 400-place car park has been a cause for concern for many years and has recently been the focus for car "cruises" of up to 500 cars, organised over the Internet.

Acting Sergeant Terry Swales, of Hartlepool police, said cars from across the region congregated in Portrack Lane, Stockton, before forming a convoy and heading to the car park.

The young drivers were regularly using the car park for stunt driving, he said.

The force has tried videoing the drivers but at night the glare from headlights mean the cars cannot be identified.

Sgt Swales said: "We police the area by checking cars' conditions and use and for various motoring offences. This is a problem for the whole community to discuss."

Hartlepool Borough Council has received an increase in complaints this summer.

A report to Councillor Moss Boddy, cabinet member for regeneration and economy, says the public had suffered from noise pollution and anti-social behaviour as drivers carried out wheel spins and handbrake turns.

"This activity is noisy, anti-social and dangerous and there have been several incidents of damage caused by the vehicles involved.

"Concern has also been expressed regarding the safety of pedestrians. In some cases the vehicles have been stolen and have later been burnt out," the report adds.