VANDALS have caused thousands of pounds of damage to the Methodist church in Brotton which was damaged at the weekend, the second time in recent weeks.

This heightens concern about anti-social behaviour in the village. Ward councillors are already taking action and further developments are likely soon.

Coun Brian Hogg, who represents Brotton on Redcar and Cleveland council, said bricks were thrown through windows at the church. "This is the second time the church has been vandalised and the situation is becoming worrying."

He and fellow Coun Richard Rudland have been touring the area doing walk and talk surgeries to try to gauge the depth of the problem.

Coun Hogg said they had been told that incidents of loutish behaviour were increasing.

They have written to Langbaurgh police commander John Kelly and have escorted community officers around Brotton to pinpoint trouble spots.

"We thought this might help police target problem areas and we hope we can work together to reduce these distressing incidents," said Coun Hogg.

He said he is planning a specific response to the growing problem but would release details later.