AN attack on a Newton Aycliffe meeting hall has prompted fresh calls for a clampdown on vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the town.

Officials at the Greenfield Meeting Hall are trying to develop it for the community, but their efforts are being constantly hampered by vandals.

The latest attack came at the weekend when a decorative wall was knocked down and a door kicked in.

Councillor Vince Crosby, who represents the area, says enough is enough and believes it is time to tackle the problem.

He said: "Greenfield Meeting Hall has fallen into disrepair through repeated vandalism. It is used by the community, but it could be put to even greater use.

"I'm working with the officers and with Sedgefield Borough Council to redevelop it, but the committee just can't afford to maintain it.

"And there's no chance of me getting any money out of the council when it is getting vandalised."

Coun Crosby says the hall, which is used by various organisations including a play group, a mother and toddler group and dance club, has great potential.

He is determined to put a stop to the vandalism, which is also causing concern to elderly residents living nearby.

Coun Crosby said: "I'm not having it on my patch and I'm going to clamp down on it.

"You can dress it up how you want, but this is wanton vandalism and we need to start coming down hard and strong."

Concerns have also been expressed in recent weeks about gangs of youths congregating in Aycliffe parks and being supplied by alcohol in "booze runs."

It is a problem that Coun Crosby believes needs firm action to remedy.

He said: "It's going on all over the town and I want to find ways of stopping it. I'll use any method that I can, but I need the support of all the community, including the police.

"This has gone on long enough and if I've got to keep knocking on the police's door I will, even if it means going to headquarters until I get somebody to listen.