A TEAM set up to combat nuisance behaviour in Darlington is making strong progress.

The anti-social behaviour team established by Darlington Borough Council has been praised by councillors for its performance.

To date, the team, which was set up nearly six months ago and has 19 staff, has issued 356 initial warning letters, 49 second warning letters and five third warning letters.

It has also conducted 16 interviews and has three court cases pending.

The team has also dealt with a number of specific problem areas.

These include:

* Maidendale House, Firthmoor - where youths were running amok inside and outside the building. Several parents have been written to and in a number of cases Acceptable Behaviour Agreements (ABA) have been signed.

* Eastbourne Sports Complex - youths were trespassing in the centre and on the grounds. Parents were written to, ABAs have been signed and an Anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) is being prepared against one individual.

* A case is ongoing with a house in the town where noisy parties and intimidating visitors have resulted in residents moving from the area. The team is consulting a barrister on the most appropriate action to take.

* An Asbo is also being prepared against a young female with a history of vicious assaults and racial aggression.

Councillor Bill Dixon, the cabinet member for community and public protection, said: "The anti-social behaviour team has proved highly effective in tackling a range of issues since it was first established.

"It will continue to be a key feature of the council's efforts to deal with nuisance behaviour and environmental crime."

The anti-social behaviour team is one part of the Anti-Social Behaviour Unit.

A second team, which will deal with environmental crime, is in the final stages of recruitment.

However, the unit has already dealt with several cases of environmental crime including four cases of fly-tipping which have resulted in warnings, fines and court cases.

The public protection and community partnerships scrutiny committee is to discuss the anti-social behaviour unit at its meeting on Tuesday, at 9.30am, in the town hall.