A SCHEME is being launched to get rid of cars that could be targeted by arsonists and vandals.

A two-week vehicle amnesty is being held in Easington under which the cars' owners can ask for them to be taken to a scrapyard free.

The scheme, funded by the district's Community Safety Partnership, hopes to remove about 100 vehicles from gardens or roads during the next fortnight.

The aim is to improve the look of the environment and remove vehicles that could be set on fire and vandalised, or used as a potentially dangerous playground by children.

Durham fire brigade's John Bowery, who is the Vehicle Crime Task Group's arson co-ordinator, said: "Vehicle amnesty is part of a three-phase approach to clearing dangerous, unsightly or unlicensed vehicles from the district of Easington. The vehicles we are concerned with here are end-of-life vehicles which may have stood on the street, or in someone's garden, unused for a long time and are unlikely to ever see the roads again.

"These vehicles are often a focal point for anti-social behaviour and are a dangerous area for children to play around.

"They may be vandalised and, worse still, may be set on fire.

"Quite often they are a blight on an area and removal will serve to provide a safer and cleaner looking environment.''

"I would encourage anyone in possession of such a vehicle to make a decision to give it up for disposal.''

To take advantage of the scheme call Easington District Council on 0191-527 0501 and ask for Envirocall.