POLICE have launched a crackdown on gangs of youths causing trouble in a north Durham village.

Chester-le-Street police commander Insp Dave Marshall said: "The problem first reared its head about 12 months ago in Great Lumley and several youths were given warnings.

"But now the trouble has re-emerged in the village and we want to get the message across to parents to be aware of what their charges are doing during the evenings."

Insp Marshall said with the darker nights, police were getting complaints of gangs of youths 20 to 30 strong gathering in the main street near the community centre in Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street.

They have also been meeting on the Millennium Green.

He said: "There are reports of them shouting abuse and causing a nuisance in other ways to members of the public.

"There are also complaints of them consuming alcohol and causing damage to property.

"Most of them are aged from 11 to 16 years and they are from the neighbourhood. Parents must take responsibility for their children or we will."

Insp Marshall said police would be using a vehicle with a video camera in their crackdown on troublemakers.

He said: "We will capture on video those causing problems.

"Once the youths are identified the parents will be invited to see the kinds of problems their kids are causing."

Chester-le-Street District Council ward councillor Audrey Willis said: "It seems to be a small core who are the ringleaders. Youths are coming from surrounding villages as well.

"They have damaged cobbles on a mosaic which forms part of the Millennium Green. We have also had a bus window smashed."

Coun Willis added: "A fortnight ago I was in the community centre when the fire brigade were called to the Millennium Green.

"As they approached it I heard footsteps running away and heard a loud bang just inches away from the firemen. They had been lying in wait in the bushes for them."

She said the village cleaner sometimes had to remove up to two bags full of beer cans.

Inps Marshall warned that police had the powers to have youths taken to court with the view to having anti-social behaviour orders imposed on persistent offenders.

He said: "We have used those powers in the past and will use them again."