A NEIGHBOURHOOD Watch co-ordinator has slammed the state of a Newton Aycliffe underpass, which is regularly used by children.

Dorothy Bowman, secretary of the newly formed Dales Residents' Association, says the underpass at the top of Silverdale Place is filthy and is often flooded.

Last weekend, a car was abandoned in the pedestrian walkway, which runs under Burnhill Way.

Mrs Bowman said: "I would very much like to see that particular underpass cleaned up because it is a disgrace."

She said children attending nearby St Francis' Primary School use the underpass twice a day. It is also a favoured route for pensioners walking to Horndale Post Office.

Mrs Bowman said: "When it's raining, the kids who use it to go to school in the morning get soaking wet."

A spokesman for Sedgefield Borough Council said: "All of these underpasses are cleaned twice a week. We appreciate there are problems as they are gathering places for youths at night, however they are cleaned regularly.

"As regards any graffiti, this is passed on for the probation service to deal with its removal."