MORE community pods could be installed in areas of Darlington if they are found to be a success among the youngsters who use them.

A group has been set up to measure the popularity of Darlington Borough Council's fleet of youth pods and if it is worth investing further in the scheme.

The first £15,000 pod - a 40ft steel container fitted with a number of facilities - was installed in the town's Lascelles area last year, followed by one in North Lodge Park and another in Firthmoor.

The review group will be talking directly to the youngsters who use the facilities at North Lodge Park, which provides them with a point for accessing information, playing games and meeting people.

They will then assess whether more pods should be introduced to Darlington, and consider the costs at the next meeting of the public protection and community partnerships scrutiny committee next Tuesday.

The initiative was originally adopted by the Thameside Council, in Greater Manchester, to prevent young people causing nuisance in areas highlighted by the police.

It has since been developed by Darlington Youth Offending and Community Safety Service, so that the pods include services for all elements of local communities.