A WOMAN says police have ignored her calls for help when her street has been plagued by youngsters drinking and being noisy.

The woman, who has asked to remain anonymous, says every night in Melland Court, Darlington, groups of youths gather to drink alcohol and eat takeaways.

When she or her neighbours go out to tell the youngsters to behave, they become abusive and make threats.

"We have a life of hell. It has got so bad we are frightened to go out now to confront them, because all you get is a mouthful of abuse and they threaten to put your windows through.

"We spend our nights worrying about what they are up to. Last night they were trying to put a bike on top of our car.

"We have no quality of life because we live in constant fear of something coming through our windows."

The woman said that when she saw youths kicking at her neighbour's door she telephoned the police control room number, but there was no reply.

"The neighbourhood wardens are quite good, but there is only so much they can do," she said.

"A few times I have phoned the police on the number and there is no one there.

"When you do get through, nine times out of ten no one comes around.

"I have complained and been given other numbers for the local bobby, but I couldn't get through to anyone on that, either. Durham Constabulary are a waste of time."

Inspector Sue Collingwood, of Darlington police, said she and the beat officers for the Melland Court area were aware of the issues there and are looking at the problems.

"We are aware that we have pockets of problems in that area and we really need residents to come forward and I will certainly get the beat officer to follow this complaint up."

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said that the control room was very busy, with operators answering both non-urgent calls and 999 emergency calls, which were given priority.

"We have made a huge investment in the two new communication centres and we are not suggesting it's perfect, there have been teething problems, but we will get it right.

"We apologise to those who feel they are not getting the service they would like, but it is because we are dealing with more urgent calls."