A PUBLIC meeting has been called to discuss vandalism and anti-social behaviour in West Auckland.

Residents are urged to attend the meeting next month to put their concerns to police and councillors.

Problems have increased dramatically over the past couple of years.

The village has been plagued by youngsters congregating, drinking and smashing windows - often near East Green residential home.

Shops and pubs have also been targeted.

Andy Turner, from the parish council, said: "There's been a growth in anti-social behaviour in West Auckland and it has grown out of all proportion.

"Therefore, we've called a meeting where people can come along and meet the people responsible for law and order and let them know their worries."

Police officers and representatives from both the parish and district council will also attend the meeting, as well as Wear Valley District Council's anti-social behaviour officer Phil Shaw.

Parish council chairman John Ferguson said that more police on patrol and the introduction of street wardens were among the possible solutions likely to be put forward.

He added: "As a parish council in West Auckland, we want to look after not just the old people, but after everybody.

"The way the problems are, we have decided to try to clean up the area and make it a better place to live in.

"Youth clubs aren't the fashionable thing anymore - we need more police presence and street wardens."

PC Andy Hucker, who has been West Auckland's beat officer for the past three years and was instrumental in setting up the meeting, hopes there will be a good turnout.

Villagers will be able to ask questions and put forward suggestions to help combat the anti-social behaviour.

PC Hucker said: "The point of the meeting is to get myself and Phil Shaw together to answer questions that members of the public have, and to show that we are doing what we can."

The meeting will take place at West Auckland Methodist Church on Wednesday, November 2, at 6pm. All welcome.