POLICE will increase patrols in an area struggling to cope with gangs of teenagers roaming the streets.

Over the last three months, people in the Yarm Road and Lingfield area of Darlington have been reporting problems with groups of youths.

Sgt Mark Ralphs met residents, councillors, church leaders and shop owners to look at the issues.

The meeting was called after the Rev Christine Blakesley, the vicar at St Herbert's Church, reached the end of her tether with youngsters damaging street lights, smashing windows at the church hall and breaking plant pots in peoples' gardens.

Sgt Ralphs said: "We will be patrolling the areas regularly until this is solved. We need to work together to find a solution by looking at how we can engage the youngsters in other activities."

Coun Ian Haszeldine wants to organise a meeting with young people to seek their views and Ms Blakesley is looking into securing funding for more youth workers.