POLICE are to clamp down on rowdy youths whose behaviour is causing misery to east Durham shoppers.

Groups of up to 40 young people have been using a new underground car park at Peterlee, sparking a host of complaints from intimidated residents.

The town centre has recently undergone a multi-million pound redevelopment, which has included building an Asda superstore on the site of the former police station.

But the store's basement car park has turned out to be a magnet to local youths.

Their numbers have alarmed shoppers and people using a neighbouring drive-in restaurant.

The youngsters are also using the various levels of the car park as cycle and skateboard routes, and have sworn at shoppers and damaged several lights during knockabout football games. There have also been instances of under-age drinking and graffiti has been daubed on walls.

Developers are planning to install a CCTV system, but in the meantime, police patrols have been stepped up to try to halt the problem.

Officers are also working alongside Asda bosses and youth workers to see whether some alternative meeting places can be established.

Police have escorted a number of the worst-behaved youngsters home for a "ticking off" in front of their parents. They have taken the names of many others and visited local schools in a bid to deter pupils from using the car park.

Sergeant Tracey Whelan said: "The car park is not a playground, it is private property owned by the developers.

"We do have some sympathy with young people who often complain there is nothing to do, but we cannot allow this sort of behaviour to continue.

"The sheer numbers involved are creating a very intimidating atmosphere. Some people wanting to visit either Asda or McDonalds have been verbally abused and this, along with all the other misbehaviour, is clearly unacceptable.

"We will do all we can to bring about an improvement in the situation," said Sgt Whelan, who heads the Peterlee beat unit.