THE installation of a closed-circuit television (CCTV) security camera in a Darlington churchyard frequented by drinkers and drug-users is being considered.

Darlington Borough Council has received complaints about people congregating in St Cuthbert's Churchyard, in the town centre.

Parishioners have found hypodermic needles, excrement and beer bottles in the churchyard.

Members of the Town Centre Forum have visited the site and council officials are looking into the feasibility of installing a CCTV camera in the area to help combat crime.

The church was slightly damaged two months ago after vandals pushed burning paper through a window into a basement room.