POLICE have teamed up with councillors in east Durham to tackle the growing problems caused by unruly teenagers.

During the 12 months to March, police received reports of more than 300 disturbance incidents and 3,000 reports of youths causing annoyance to residents. Magistrates also granted anti-social behaviour orders (Asbos) against two persistent offenders, both teenage boys.

A working group of representatives of the District of Easington, Durham Constabulary, Durham County Council and youth offending teams has now set up arrangements to help deal with the situation and reduce the strain on police and other resources.

These include tighter working arrangements for dealing with incidents of anti-social behaviour and investigating complaints and high-profile policing in problem areas.

There will also be streamlined procedures for evicting council tenants, improved sharing of information between agencies and easier methods to apply for Asbos.

The District of Easington is also launching acceptable behaviour contracts, where individuals sign agreements pledging to change their ways rather than face continued involvement with the police and council enforcement officers.

The council's principal environmental health officer, Keith Parkinson, said: "The agreements are a formal contract which focus on what the offender should not be doing.

"If they breach the contract, it becomes an extra piece of evidence to be used when we seek an eviction or an Asbo."