THE same five wards top Darlington's anti-social behaviour table for the second year in a row.

Central, Park East, North Road, Northgate, and Eastbourne suffered the most anti-social behaviour in 2005-6 and 2006-7, according to new figures.

In the 12 months to April, Central ward, which includes the town centre and Albert Hill, had 1,594 incidents, a 15 per cent increase on the previous year.

Northgate, which includes the area around North Lodge Park, suffered 928 incidents in 2006-7, a 26 per cent increase on the previous year. It went from fourth to second in Darlington's anti-social behaviour table.

The three other wards in the top five, though, however, did see decreases. Park East, dominated by Skerne Park, was third in this year's list but saw a 15 per cent decrease.

North Road, fourth, had a 20 per cent decrease, and fell from third in the overall list.

Eastbourne, fifth this year and last, saw the total number of incidents fall from 657 to 533, a 19 per cent decrease.

Police class anti-social behaviour as anything from noisy dogs to misuse of fireworks, although "rowdy and nuisance behaviour" makes up the majority of complaints.

Last week, The Northern Echo reported anti-social behaviour across the town had fallen from about 35 incidents a day to 30.

The decline was welcomed by police as a "turning point".

Councillor Lee Vasey, who represents Eastbourne, said the new sports court at the Firth Moor Community Centre had helped reduce bad behaviour in the area.

"We have a community safety meeting every month, and we think the Muga (multi-use games area) has moved people away from causing trouble.

"Things are very positive. If we do see a problem in the area, we target it using the wardens and the police community support officers.

"People around the town say anti-social behaviour happens because youngsters have nothing to do. While I don't particularly agree with that, when there's something on their doorstep it certainly helps."

Councillor Steve Jones, of North Road, said more facilities were needed in his area.

"I think anti-social behaviour is falling because people have started reporting it more, so more is getting dealt with," he said. "But I think North Road and Harrowgate Hill together have got the fewest things going on for young people, and more is needed.

"We have got the monthly rave now, and already I have heard young people say: 'I'm not drinking because, if I get caught, I can't go to the rave'."