THE scrapping of a police unit that proved hugely successful in cutting anti-social behaviour has come in for fresh criticism.

Durham Constabulary confirmed last week that it was disbanding the StreetSafe unit, in order to provide more beat officers.

The team of five police officers and a community warden helped to reduce youth disorder in the west of Darlington by 40 per cent since it was launched in February.

The issue of under-age drinking was addressed and numerous arrests were made.

But the decision to re-deploy officers across the town came under fire at a full meeting of Darlington Borough Council on Thursday night.

Councillor Doris Jones, who represents Middleton St George, said she was extremely disappointed by the move.

"My main concern is the lack of consultation with us as the local authority, when we try to work so hard with the police for the benefit of the town," she said.

Coun Jones said she wanted the council to invite the Chief Constable of Durham Police to attend a meeting to explain the decision.

"I would like him to come to our next full council meeting to explain to our members, who have great concerns about anti-social behaviour in their wards, why this has decision has been taken," she said.