YOUNGSTERS who persist in anti-social behaviour in Stockton are being warned enough is enough.

Stockton Borough Council's community warden service has been tackling anti-social behaviour in known hotspots.

The council's enforcement unit, assisted by wardens, Special Constables and anti-social behaviour officers, formed two teams for an operation which took place last Friday night, concentrating on anti-social behaviour and litter dropping.

In Wolviston, near the Kings Arms, the names of 12 youths were taken and three fines were imposed for dropping litter. At Hardwick Community Centre, three names were taken and one fine imposed. At Redhill shops in Roseworth, numerous names were taken and one fine imposed. At Grangefield School numerous names were also taken and at Glebe shops three names were taken.

Doug Carhart, head of the council's security services, said: "The young people of the borough of Stockton need to appreciate the considerable damage to residents' quality of life caused by their anti-social behaviour on Friday and Saturday evenings.

"Enough is enough and it is time for them to be placed on notice that officers from my unit will take direct action to intervene and disrupt their unlawful activity. People deserve peace and quiet, and we aim to deliver."

Graeme Small, the council's enforcement and community warden co-ordinator, said operations would continue until the problem was sorted out. "I appeal to parents to play an active role and supervise their children's activity.

"It is not always enough to place them on trust, in many cases the young person's activities in drinking and behaving irresponsibly can have negative effects on their health and safety, and once they are fined for offences it is often the parents who are affected financially."