VILLAGERS are appealing to parents to control their children after reports of a gang of youths terrorising people.

At a meeting of Hurworth Parish Council, it was reported that a gang of youths has been gathering in a wooded area in the grounds of Hurworth Grange Community Centre.

Last week, a fence around Hurworth Cottage, which is next to the wood, was set on fire.

Complaints have also been made that youths have been drinking and damaging trees in the area.

Chairman of the parish council, Councillor Alan Gibson, has called on the police to meet residents and members of the parish council to discuss the problem.

He said: "I generally think there is a way in which the police can minimise this problem. I suggest a meeting to discuss the problem.

"If some of the parents know their children are involved I appeal to them to have a word with them. I hope the children can realise what they are doing."

One person said the youths were making life a misery.

He said: "The activity has gone beyond a nuisance.

"People don't walk dogs in the area anymore. I have found two syringes there and alcohol is being consumed there. Trees have also been damaged.

"Someone will get injured or even killed if nothing is done. These youths probably don't know what they are doing and that is when something is going to happen.

"I don't think we can have an area like this anymore. Thirty or 40 years ago it would have been an area people could enjoy."

A spokesman for Darlington police said: "Youths causing a nuisance is not one of the main complaints we get from people living in Hurworth. But, of course, if the parish council think it is a serious problem we will meet them to discuss it."