BOY - and girl - racers are to be banned from more than a dozen car parks in a bid to curb problems caused by young drivers.

Residents in Chester-le-Street say their lives are being made a misery by large groups of drivers who gather in the town centre at night.

Police say they are regularly receiving complaints about cars speeding around the car parks, sounding their horns, performing handbrake turns and constantly revving their engines.

Now a dispersal order has been granted, which comes into effect on New Year's Day, to allow police to tell drivers to leave the area and not return within a certain time.

Durham Police and Chester-le-Street District Council say they have tried several solutions to the problem, including education and enforcement campaigns, which have had some short-term success. They say the new order will give them extra powers to deal with the problem, which is concentrated in 12 car parks in the town centre, and also the nearby Riverside area, next to Durham County Cricket Club's stadium.

Any driver who fails to comply with the terms of the order, brought in under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, can be arrested.

Similar dispersal orders have been used to deal with gangs of youths congregating in Seaham and the Gibside area of Chester-le-Street, but this is thought to be the first time that Durham Police have used the powers to deal with boy racers.

Inspector Paul Anderson, of Durham Police, said: "I must emphasise this does not affect anyone visiting Chester-le-Street on normal business, day or night.

"The order is aimed at discouraging the anti-social use of vehicles on the highways, and in our car parks, and if the people concerned do not comply, they will be arrested.

"While the problem is often referred to as 'boy racers' there are plenty of young female drivers taking part as well.

"We are determined to clamp down on the noise and nuisance they generate, and I can reassure residents we will not tolerate this behaviour."

Councillor Isabel Smith, of Chester-le-Street council, said: "The district council and police are taking positive action regarding the anti-social use of vehicles in or around Chester-le-Street.

"We are concerned for local residents and the general safety of the public, including the young people themselves.

"I would encourage people to drive responsibly, and use the town centre in a safe manner, for the benefit of both residents and visitors."