DOZENS of youngsters have had alcohol taken from them during a three-month blitz on a troubled estate.

Complaints over the anti-social behaviour of youths in the Attlee Avenue and Hart Crescent areas of Blackhall prompted the police, the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit and East Durham Homes to team up.

The approach led to Operation Rubicon, which has been running over the past three months and has included high-visibility policing of the estate.

Eighty-three under-18s have had alcohol taken from them and an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) hearing is due to be heard shortly on one individual.

A rundown of the action being taken on the estate was revealed at a meeting of the Coastal Area Forum, in Blackhall, and more information will be given at its next meeting, at 6pm on Wednesday at Blackhall Primary School.

A report to the forum outlined other action taken, which includes the sending out of 90 letters to the parents of youngsters.

There have also been eight arrests and two homes on the estate have been searched.

One tenant has been evicted and East Durham Homes has applied to the courts for an order warning one resident that further problems could result in an eviction order.

Six Neighbourhood Watchers have also been appointed and each has been provided with a radio.

The area's Blitz Bus has also been brought into Blackhall to provide activities for local youngsters.

While residents are still concerned over the activity of local youths, the partnership believes that once the Asbo has been obtained, problems will lessen.