YOUNG people could soon be congregating in special 'youth shelters.'

Wear Valley District Council is considering providing official meeting places for teenagers in an effort to stamp out vandalism and give them somewhere suitable to meet friends.

The idea comes from a report by Thames Valley Police and youth workers, which highlights the problem police face in trying to stop youths intimidating the public by congregating on street corners. The report states that every year councils spend vast sums repairing damage to play equipment, which is often vandalised by youths.

If Wear Valley council decides to adopt the idea, buildings could be situated in Cockton Hill Recreation Ground in Bishop Auckland or Town Recreation Ground away from play areas and homes.

Gangs of teenagers meet in these areas and according to the council thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused through vandalism that mostly occurs during cold and wet weather, when young people are looking for somewhere to meet.