YOUTHS in Hartlepool are playing "musical chairs" with police by moving from one area to another to congregate, according to officers.

Speaking at a police and community safety forum meeting in South Hartlepool, Sergeant Chris Pendlington and Inspector Ian Grunwell answered criticism from residents that parts of the town were not patrolled regularly enough.

Concerns were expressed about youths hanging around the Fens Shops in Hartlepool, and the lack of police presence in the area.

Insp Grunwell told the meeting that shift changes were staggered and regular patrols of the area took place to try to dissuade youngsters from hanging around.

Sgt Pendlington said: "A musical chairs effect is being experienced following patrols, with youths being moved on only to congregate again in areas such as the Black Path and Greatham village."

Residents urged patrols to take notice of the back of the shop site to stop youths simply moving from the front to the rear to continue making noise.