A COMPOST heap has been successful in deterring anti-social behaviour in Middleton St George, near Darlington.

Last month, the parish council dumped grass cuttings and other debris from ground maintenance work at a spot in the water park used by youths as a den for drinking and drug-taking.

The area is between the reservoir and a brick wall, which had been partly pulled down by vandals.

At last week's parish council meeting, PC Boyd Rowe, of Darlington police, said there had only been one report of youths causing annoyance in the water park in the past four weeks.

Councillor Steve York said: "It is good to hear the numbers of youths causing annoyance has reduced.

"Turning the den into a compost heap, better management of the park and locking the gates to vehicles between 8pm and 8am have obviously helped."

Other schemes to prevent anti-social behaviour were suggested, including using the grassed area behind the meeting room for Middleton Rangers Junior Football Club's practice sessions until a new football pitch is ready.

Council chairman and ward councillor Doris Jones said the borough council wanted to meet parish councillors about setting up a Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme in the village for those aged between 14 and 25.