A caf could be opened to stop young people hanging around in a shopping mall - despite a majority of shoppers saying there is not a problem.

The Cornmill Centre, in Darlington, has received complaints about gangs of youngsters causing a nuisance to shoppers and retailers at weekends.

Peer education group PS2K was asked to carry out a survey to investigate any concerns about young people.

The group surveyed more than 370 shoppers, retailers and youngsters to find out what could be done.

The questionnaires showed that most young people and shoppers did not feel there is a problem. More than 96 per cent of adults said they did not feel intimidated by youngsters in the centre.

But retailers felt differently, with 72 per cent saying they received unwanted attention, with most coming from secondary school age children.

At a meeting yesterday the group presented its findings to retailers in the centre.

Cornmill manager Albion Small said: "There are some disruptive young people that come into the centre, they are a minority.

"We have identified a certain group who come in on a Saturday and Sunday and cause disruption.

"Older people find that groups of four or five are a threat and people are frightened.

"I understand that young people need to go somewhere. They are our future customers. The Cornmill is popular for young people.

"All we would ask is that they respect the views of older people. Both young and old have got to appreciate each others opinions."

The survey also showed that 40 per cent of young people would like the centre to open a youth caf so that they would have somewhere to go.

Representatives from the centre said they would look into the possibility of opening a caf in one of the vacant retail areas.

PS2K and the centre are also considering setting up an initiative to develop relationships between security staff and youngsters.

Jenna Newman, 14, of PS2K said: "The results proved that most shoppers, young and old, do not have a problem with young people in the Cornmill centre.

"However, retailers feel that more should be done with reference to youth provision in the Cornmill Centre.