A FORMER professional boxer has formed a “private police force” to tackle crime and disorder on the streets of a North-East town.

“Fearless” Francis Jones and his firm, Sparta Security, will patrol parts of Darlington, responding to reports of anti-social behaviour and extinguishing trouble using non-violent techniques.

The trained doormen are offering residents of the Skerne Park and Eastbourne areas protection for a charge of £3.50 a week. Patrols will take place on foot and in a specially modified car.

The Sparta wardens will be uniformed and will carry cameras to capture footage that could be used in a court.

Mr Jones, 28, said he came up with the idea after being contacted by people wanting help dealing with problems near their homes.

“I’m a boxer, so people ring me up, saying ‘come round my house, there are youths causing trouble’,” he said.

“There is a recognised problem with youths gathering and causing trouble in Darlington, and I thought it would be a good idea to get street wardens together.

“Sometimes, people gathering outside of houses, causing trouble, they need moving.

“I’m looking to deal with problems on the streets not by getting people’s backs up, but by diffusing the situation and trying to help both parties.

“We hope the service will give our clients more confidence by increasing their safety, even if it is just a case of walking them to the shops.”

People subscribing to the service can call Sparta seven days a week, from 8pm to 3am, and can expect a response within minutes, said Mr Jones.

But Darlington police have reminded residents that they should still contact the police if they have concerns.

Inspector Steve Steen said: “We have no issue with Mr Jones starting up a business at all.

“The only concern we have is that members of the public should be aware that Sparta does not have the same powers as a police officer or a police community support officer.

“In fact, Mr Jones’ security staff, although trained, can only react to an incident in the same way as a member of public would.

“We would hope that people would still call us, and we will respond for free, on 0345-60-60- 365.”

Sparta will launch the new warden service on Monday.

For more information, call 01325-253135.