BUSHES and undergrowth used as drinking dens by youngsters are to be cut back in a village water park.

Middleton St George Parish Council has vowed to wipe out the hideouts used by drunken youths.

On Monday night, members discussed ways to tackle the problem of teenage drinkers loitering in the water park and using dens in the undergrowth to hide from police.

The problems, which have mainly been reported on Friday and Saturday nights, also include recent cases of youngsters indecently exposing themselves to residents whose homes back on to the park area.

Chairman Coun Doris Jones said: "People can't walk about the water park like they used to. We are not going to tolerate these yobs wrecking our village. We are here to help improve the quality of life for people in Middleton St George."

Coun Jones suggested that maintenance work on trees in the area would give the culprits no hiding place and give police the chance to catch them.

"This wood is a health and safety risk to the public," she said. "I am prepared to go round with the crime prevention officer to see where the kids are hiding and whittle them out. I suggest we cut back the trees and the undergrowth."

Members agreed on the proposals. However, it was decided that to contact Darlington Borough Council for guidance on the maintenance work in the nature reserve to protect wildlife and the mature trees.

Concerns were also raised about who was supplying the youths with alcohol.

Sgt Mark Ralphs, of Darlington police, who attended the meeting, said: "The special constables are running a test scheme at the moment and targeting shops that might be selling alcohol to youngsters."

Members agreed that there were too many entrances to the park for it to be closed at night, but decided that they would examine the demolition of one of the vandalised walls in the park.