Darlington MP Alan Milburn called on town leaders yesterday to form a partnership to tackle anti-social behaviour.

He told delegates at the Darlington Assembly, in the town's Dolphin Centre, that the problem was a huge issue of public concern in the town.

"I think it would be very good if we could have another assembly before too long, looking at this issue of anti-social behaviour," he said.

"For me as the town's MP, I get more complaints about that now than any other single issue."

He said a partnership between the authorities and the public was needed to solve the problem.

"I think it would be good if we could go away from here thinking that we are going to come back and move forward from talking the talk to walking the walk."

More than 250 people from local business, community groups, the voluntary sector and public services attended the assembly.

Delegates listened to Steve Rose, new chief executive of Darlington Partnership, and Joe Montgomery, head of the Government's Neighbourhood Renewal Unit.

Martin Wood, from Renaissance Consultants, gave a talk on a project to improve Darlington's deprived wards.

* Mr Milburn's visit to the assembly was filmed for BBC1's Politics Show. It will be shown on Sunday, at noon.