REPORTS of youths causing annoyance on a Darlington estate have increased dramatically in recent weeks.

Throughout November there were 31 incidents of anti-social behaviour reported in Firthmoor.

The figure is almost double the number logged in October, members of Firthmoor Community Partnership Board learned yesterday.

Neighbourhood manager Sally Forth said that 11 cases were reported outside Lynchy's, on Burnside Road, and a further eight at the community centre Maidendale House.

Darlington borough councillor Lee Vasey said the rise was probably due to more people reporting incidents to the police and uniformed wardens.