A NORTH-East council will meet on Wednesday to consider becoming the first in the country to issue a dispersal order to young people lighting fires in the run-up to bonfire night.

Wear Valley District Council could place the order on the Low Mown Meadows area of Crook, in County Durham, because of the number of fire-related incidents there last year.

In the six weeks to November 5, 52 cases of anti-social behaviour relating to fireworks were reported in the area - the highest figure in the county.

A dispersal order would give police and police community support officers the power to move gangs of people they fear will engage in anti social activity.

Information about acceptable activities and meeting places will be issued to young people to encourage them to take part in positive activities and advise them where they can meet without causing distress to members of the public.

The council's policy and strategic development committee will consider designation of the order at a meeting at Crook Civic Centre, on Wednesday.