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

Over the past three months, residents and businesses in the Yarm Road and Lingfield areas of Darlington have been reporting problems with groups of up to 70 youths gathering there.

Sergeant Mark Ralphs attended a meeting last week with residents, councillors, church leaders and retailers to discuss the problems.

The meeting was called after Reverend 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 residents' gardens.

Residents have also reported youngsters setting fire to trees in the area and even lying down in the road to stop traffic.

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 these young people in other activities that they want."

He said that the police would investigate where youngsters were obtaining alcohol by carrying out test purchases at off-licences.

Martin Kelly, director of Bargain Booze, in Yarm Road, outlined the shop's policy to ensure alcohol does not get into the hands of minors.

This includes refusing sales to anyone who looks younger than 21 if they cannot produce identification and anyone suspected of purchasing drinks for minors.

"You cannot deny there are youngsters who are getting hold of alcohol," he said. "But they are not getting it from Bargain Booze, the proof is the discarded bottles are types we don't even stock, so they must be being bought from other places."

Councillor Ian Haszeldine wants to organise a meeting with young people to discuss what they would like to see provided.

"I'm also going to be talking to people at the council about the youth club and what else we can do," he said.

Meanwhile, Ms Blakesley is looking into securing funding to provide more youth workers for the area.

Eastbourne Youth Club has also re-opened from 7pm to 9pm on Thursdays at the school, where youngsters can play pool, table tennis and computer games.

There are also plans to expand this to include workshops chosen by young people. For details, contact Veronica Matthews on (01325) 388831.