PARENTS have a responsibility to keep their children’s behaviour in check, according to residents and community leaders who say a minority of youngsters are spoiling their town.

Criminal damage in Shildon is down compared to last year but parts of the town are suffering a spike in anti-social behaviour, particularly around the former HSBC bank which has been converted into a house.

Owners Simon Romaines and Jill Parkinson’s home has been a target of mindless vandalism including windows being smashed by young people throwing stones or punching panes.

Repairs have cost the couple £1,000 and they have installed CCTV.

Representatives from the police beat team, Shildon Town Council and Durham County Council, schools and social landlord livin have met to discuss the crisis.

Temporary Sergeant David Littlefair said officers know who the culprits often are and the same family names involved in trouble for generations keep cropping up.

He said: “We are currently encountering a large number of complaints of youths throwing stones and eggs, general anti social behaviour - obviously this impacts on quality of life and puts a lot of demand on police.

“A very small number are causing this nuisance and these youths are being dealt with robustly.

“When we talk to them and their parents sometimes they make excuses and tell them what to say to us.

“I’d urge all parents to be aware of their children’s behaviour, where they are and who they are with because they could be causing these problems or being influenced by those that are.

“We need parents to take responsibility, to help us tackle this problem and also halt a youth’s behaviour before it escalates.”

Sally Green, headteacher at Thornhill Primary School, said some children are scared to play outside and Mr Romaines said he and his partner want change because they care their home and town.

Shildon Mayor Trish Pemberton said: “We are naturally concerned that our residents feel safe and comfortable in their homes and businesses.

“We will do all that is within our power to work in partnership with the police and residents and young people themselves to improve the situation.”

All parties agreed to work together to steer youngsters away from anti social behaviour and encourage residents to report incidents so officers and landlords can gather intelligence to act upon.