WEARDALE councillors have expressed their concern at the growing trend of anti-social behaviour and youth nuisance in their villages.

The concerns were raised at a recent parish council meeting in Stanhope attended by PC Ian Craggs from Wolsingham neighbourhood beat unit, who reported Weardale's August crime figures.

The figures revealed that, out of 20 calls in Frosterley, four were for nuisance and anti-social behaviour and one was for theft.

Stanhope had 55 calls, ten of which were for nuisance and anti-social behaviour, three for burglaries, four for violent behaviour and four thefts. Upper Weardale had 30 calls, one for nuisance behaviour, one for criminal damage and two for thefts.

Council members said they thought that the number of calls regarding rowdy nuisance behaviour was quite alarming and that preventative measures need to be put in place.

Ward councillor for Stanhope Richard Mews, who chaired the meeting, said: "The crime figures that were discussed at our last meeting were terrible.

"The problem is in Stanhope, St John's Chapel, Frosterley and Wolsingham and we need to get more police down here.

"The council and the public are very concerned about this.

"Youths are just generally making a nuisance of themselves and making the lives of people who live here miserable.

"Obviously the activity increases in the school holidays, but we need to get the areas policed so they stop."

PC Craggs was asked about staffing numbers as Weardale currently has four police officers, one sergeant, four community support officers and support from Crook if necessary.

Councillors discussed the view that street wardens working for Wear Valley District Council pass on useful information to the police but work the wrong hours, because anti-social behaviour tends to happen between 9pm and 12.30am, when they are no longer patrolling.

Victoria Fuller, acting inspector at Crook police station, said: "I would like to reassure people that Weardale is a safe place to live, work and visit.

"The figures quoted are low in comparison to other areas in the county and it is a very small minority who spoil the peace and tranquillity."

Anyone who has seen any anti-social behaviour can call Durham Police on 0845-60-60-365