POLICE have pledged to take action after people living along a road on the outskirts of Darlington complained about fly-tipping and drug abuse.

Residents of the handful of houses in Railway Cottages, Neasham Road, say cars are also being burnt out close to their homes.

Car thieves are said to dump vehicles on waste land at Hurworth Moor, while used hypodermic needles have also been found on the ground.

The issue was raised at a meeting of Hurworth Parish Council, when Councillor Peter Foster highlighted residents' concerns.

"Flat-bed vans are seen fly-tipping and the registration numbers have been reported to the borough council, which keeps coming out to clean up the mess," he said.

"Youths are also using the area to take drugs. Needles have been found along the roadside."

PC Karl Lowe, beat officer for Hurworth, said: "The houses sit at the end of a lonely track road, just on the left of the railway bridge at the top of Neasham Road.

"Of course, if anyone is spotted engaging in criminal activity they will be arrested and reported."