PEOPLE living near a nature reserve are becoming increasingly concerned for the wildlife's safety.

Residents, whose houses overlook Brinkburn Ponds, between Whessoe Road and Brinkburn Avenue, Darlington, have witnessed youths terrorising the birds.

One youth was allegedly seen setting his dog on the geese and then stealing their eggs.

The incidents have been reported to Darlington Borough Council and the police.

One resident, who lives in Huntershaw Way but asked not to be named, said: "The reserve is home to a number of geese, and we have two Canadian geese at the moment, which are back for the second year.

"If they continue to scare the geese, they will move away for good."

He added: "I have reported this to the council and police. I know they have bigger issues to be concerned with, but I think this is a matter people should be aware of.

"It's not just me that has seen this behaviour, my neighbours are concerned too."

A council spokesman said: "I have spoken with members of the council's countryside team, and they have not received any reports of incidents at the reserve.

"However, the team has recently moved from its base at the town hall to an office near the reserve, so if anything is going on, they are now in a better position to tackle it.

"We have had reports of youths throwing stones at the birds in the reserve and stealing their eggs previously, so this new report does not surprise me.

"What we are advising residents to do is, when they see youths causing trouble at the reserve, they should call the countryside team straight away."

Residents can call the team on (01325) 388648.