A PURGE on "boy racers" plaguing residents in and around a town centre will continue, after scoring its first success.

Police have pledged to maintain their crackdown on young motorists and their passengers who congregate in parking areas of Chester-le-Street during the evenings causing disturbance to people living in the area.

It follows the first successful prosecution of three young men charged under legislation enacted by the district council and backed by the police to curtail the activities of the so-called boy racers. The legislation makes an offence of any form of anti-social behaviour or disorderly conduct associated with the driver of a vehicle.

The three Gateshead men, aged 20, 21 and 22, were fined a total of £175 with £115 costs.

Inspector Dave Marshall said: "We have always recognised the upset and annoyance that these young people have caused and we have worked hard with the council to eradicate the problem.

"On many occasions we have appealed to these youths not to congregate in the town but they have ignored our requests. They must now understand they face prosecution every time they gather."

The boy racers have caused problems for the elderly residents of St Mary's Nursing Home, in Church Chare, parking nearby at night before racing about, revving engines and playing loud music.

Manager Maureen Garrett said: "Residents have complained that they have been unable to sleep or have lost sleep because of the noise. All the windows are double glazed but that has had little effect on he noise levels."