UNIFORMED wardens have been given a new van to help them respond quickly to reports of anti-social behaviour in Darlington's parks and cemeteries.

The white van will be used by wardens patrolling the nine parks and three cemeteries in the town, as well as other open spaces.

A bike carrier will be fitted to the van giving the team the opportunity to use their bikes to patrol the larger parks and open spaces.

Bill Dixon, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for social services, said: "The new van is a welcome addition to the resources we have available.

"With the onset of lighter nights and better weather there often follows an increase in vandalism in these areas.

"The van will provide the team with a quick response to residents' calls and also generate increased visibility for the uniformed wardens showing would-be trouble makers that the council means business when it comes to tackling anti-social behaviour in our parks and cemeteries."

Residents who wish to report incidences of anti-social behaviour can contact the team on (01325) 346831 during office hours, or 07816 820048 outside normal working hours.