A NEWLY opened footpath that connects two housing estates could be closed, after it became a haven for yobs and criminals.

Crime has soared in the Ullswater Avenue area since the path connecting it with the new Railway View housing estate opened.

And now Darlington Borough Council and police have taken the unusual step of recommending the path be closed to prevent further problems for residents. The closure needs the approval of the council's planning committee.

The news has had a mixed response in the area. One resident, who didn't want to be named said: "It is a rat run for thieves. People have moved out of their homes. Kids are also causing lots of trouble. Bollards have been stolen, motorbikes use the footpath and there is also a problem with a drug dealer."

The resident said homes and garages had been broken into and thieves had pinched bedding plants from outside people's houses.

However, Brian Preston, 67, who lives on the other side of the footpath, said he wanted the path to be made safer, rather than closed.

"I have had four heart bypasses and use the path as a cut through to get to the shops almost every day. They should put a fence up to make it safer," he said.

A spokesman for the borough council said: "We contacted police who carried out a lengthy and detailed assessment and found there had been an increase in crime. We are now putting together a planning application which will be considered at the next planning meeting."

The walkway was built by developer Three Rivers Housing, but has not been adopted by the council.

A spokeswoman for Three Rivers said: "We have worked closely with residents and the council to explore the options available and will support, and act on, the ultimate decision of the council."