MORE support and extra resources are needed to tackle the problems of anti-social behaviour in Newton Aycliffe.

That was the conclusion of a meeting called to discuss ways to tackle the nuisance.

Police representatives, teachers, drug and alcohol co-ordinators and youth workers joined councillors at the forum.

The meeting was called and chaired by local councillor Alan Gray, after he became concerned about drunken youths congregating in the town's parks.

He said that because the west ward area of town was officially recognised as deprived, there was cash support for various agencies to work with youths.

But Councillor Gray said: "What is quite apparent is that there are other areas in the town not recognised as deprived by the criteria, but which also need to have an input to provide support to young people.

"Agencies are going to have to direct themselves towards those areas, referred to by the police as hotspots, and look to find sources of funding to provide the support necessary."

Coun Gray stressed that the town did not have a major problem.

He said: "We are thinking in terms of stopping things getting worse.

"It is about taking preventative measures now, rather than dealing with a massive problem."

Councillor Vince Crosby, who has been working to reduce vandalism in the town, said he believed young people should be involved in any future discussions.

"We've got to engage with the youth and find out what makes them tick and what they want," he said.

"It was a worthwhile meeting, but we need a permanent solution and I'm going to stick at it and work at it with Alan Gray to resolve the issue."