ACTION is being taken to solve the problem of a thick stretch of undergrowth near homes in Hartlepool, which is being used as a venue for young drinkers.

People living in Haswell Avenue, Frensham Drive and Burnaby Close are worried that the dense mix of trees and bushes alongside the A689 at Belle Vue Way is a cause of anti-social behaviour.

Now, Hartlepool Borough Council is taking action to solve the problem, after councillors and council staff visited the site to investigate the concerns.

A council survey showed that most residents were in favour of removing the dense undergrowth, but keeping the trees.

The council has decided to remove a substantial amount of the undergrowth, including the roots, leaving the trees and a neat line of hedge and shrubbery. The plan got the go-ahead at a meeting of the council's central neighbourhood forum, which will cover the £2,000 cost of the work from its minor works budget.

Forum chairman councillor Stanley Fortune said: "The trees and shrubs were originally introduced to help benefit the area and they have grown thicker over subsequent years. Sadly, it appears that this green belt is now being abused.

"A number of residents are very worried that the dense foliage is being used as cover for anti-social activity, such as noisy drinking sessions - particularly during the night in the summer months.

"This is an unacceptable situation and I am delighted the central neighbourhood forum is able to take action to solve the problem."

Work is expected to start in the autumn.