VILLAGERS who called for the closure of two footpaths used as a rat run by troublemakers have been offered a glimmer of hope by the local council.

People living at the south end of West Cornforth, near Ferryhill, say their lives have been made hell in recent weeks because of a rise in anti-social behaviour.

The residents say that stones have been hurled through their windows in the early hours of the morning and that the footpaths are being used by drunken yobs.

Much of the activity stems from the use of two unofficial footpaths, which have been created by people using shortcuts from Salisbury Crescent to The Oval and to Linden Road.

Residents first called for the closure of the paths about 18 months ago, when they handed and 80-name petition to police and councillors.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "It is 18 months since residents first asked about this and now the problems are getting worse again.

"Last week, there were 30 incidents in that area. People are frightened in their own homes."

Following fresh calls from villagers, made at the Area 2 Forum meeting on Tuesday, Sedgefield Borough Council has vowed to step up their pursuit of closure. A spokesperson said: "We are writing to some of the local residents to inform them that the housing department proposes to submit an application to the planning department to change the current use from footpaths to garden use.

"This has been a previous problem that has reappeared again and we will work closely with the police and other organisations.

"This is a matter relating to anti-social behaviour, and the closure of the footpaths may well assist in helping to resolve those problems."

It was also explained that closure of any public right of way, whether adopted or simply created by regular use, involves a detailed procedure.

Sergeant Kelvin Vincent, of Ferryhill police, said: "We acknowledge there is a problem re-emerging in that area. The paths have been used as rat runs and alcohol cans and bottles have been found there.

"We are looking at several ways to address the concerns of residents and support any feasible action that will reduce crime and disorder, such as closing these two paths."