POLICE have assured residents that there are plans for a new beat officer in Chilton.

Villagers have expressed concerns about rising levels of youth disorder and anti-social behaviour.

One woman, who did not want to be named for fear of reprisals, says the problem of unruly youths is driving people out of their homes.

The 55-year-old said problems include youths firing air rifle pellets, throwing eggs at windows, stone-throwing, damaging cars and graffiti.

She said: "When incidents happen I go into shock, I get weepy and start shaking. They know they intimidate you and they know exactly what they're doing. It's got to a situation where I don't think I can stand it very much longer."

She says she has lost confidence in the police, the Sedgefield Community Force and the Government.

She also blamed private landlords and called for stricter vetting procedures for both landlords and tenants.

Chilton has had no beat officer since the death of Andrew Miller last month. Chief Inspector Terry Johnson of the Sedgefield division attended a recent residents' meeting to try to allay fears that he will not be replaced.

He said anti-social behaviour was not out of proportion to the size of the village, a dedicated special constable was still on patrol in the area and there were plans to replace the beat officer as soon as possible.

Chief Insp Johnson also pointed to recent figures which show that burglary in Chilton is down 80 per cent, car crime down 85 per cent and other burglaries down 66 per cent