POLICE have launched an operation to rid a market town of boy racers.

The move comes after months of complaints from residents about dangerous driving, unacceptable noise, litter, harassment and anti- social behaviour in Bishop Auckland's Forebondgate car park.

Operation Goldsmith started on Sunday night when about 200 cars gathered in the car park, which is next to the town centre.

Beat Sergeant Kevin Tuck, from Bishop Auckland Police, and fellow officers went to the car park with leaflets which were issued to the drivers.

He said: "We have been getting complaints from residents which have been attributed to those following the cruise scene.

"People are coming from all over County Durham to meet at the car park on Sunday nights. We accept that it is the minority of the group that are causing problems and I would like to stress that.

"One of the purposes of the operation is to appeal to the majority to use peer pressure to get rid of the problem.''

The leaflet states that the car park is not a suitable venue for cruising activities but says that "lawful assembly and correct parking in the bays provided will not attract police attention".

Among the complaints are reports of racing across the nearby Newton Cap viaduct as well as speeding through the town centre.

Bishop Auckland's problem is mirrored in towns throughout the region and members of the cruise world have appealed for police help to rid their sport of the minority who they have labelled idiots.

One of the drivers who was in the car park on Sunday has posted a message on a cruise website saying: "At least the coppers have respected us enough to tell us how it is."