A SUCCESSFUL strategy to tackle homelessness in Darlington could be shown to other councils in the region.

Concerns were raised by Darlington borough councillors that the town was becoming a haven for homeless people across the region.

They raised their concerns at the social affairs and health scrutiny committee meeting.

An updated strategy on the problem was discussed at the meeting. The report included case studies of eight homeless people - half from outside the town.

Councillor Heather Scott, opposition spokesman on the committee, said: "There are quite a lot of people coming from other authorities. Do other areas have the same kind of strategy that we have?

"While we are providing a very good service, we are now taking them from throughout the region. Eventually, it will cause problems for us."

Suggestions were made that the strategy could be shown to other authorities to redress the balance.

Pauline Mitchell, assistant director of housing, said: "There has to be some flexibility. We picked up there was some misuse and that was altered."

More housing could be built to help homeless back into permanent accommodation.

The review has revealed the need for better analysis and reporting of homelessness trends and solutions to prevent the problem.

It has also highlighted a number of targets already achieved, including:

* Purpose-built temporary housing for young people

* Signing of regional protocol for Housing and Returning Prisoners

* Making housing available for families

* Support scheme for people recovering from substance misuse.