RESIDENTS who have raised complaints about persistent anti-social behaviour have demanded police address the problem.

A number of people from the Springfield area of Darlington bombarded police with information about the issue at a meeting on Monday night.

They identified the problem at the first Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting to be held for the Springfield area of the town.

It was attended by 20 residents, most from either Springfield or Whinfield, and was described afterwards by ward councillor Nick Wallis as "lively".

Residents identified areas around the ward including Springfield Park, on Salters Lane North, and on roads which border onto the back of the River Skerne.

Issues raised included under-age drinking, abusive behaviour and violence.

The matters have been reported to police and councillors in the past.

One resident, Alan Macnab, who is Liberal Democrat focus group member for the Haughton West Ward, reported the problem last month when Springfield Park was closed for one weekend after it was left strewn with beer cans and rubbish.

As a result of the complaint, he joined police last Friday night during their regular Operation Staysafe, which gives them powers to hand children over to social workers.

He added: "There is a hard core of under age drinkers whose parents don't care. You need to get the parents to take the responsibility for their children."

Sgt Daryl Edmunds, from Darlington Police, said the problem was not one isolated to Springfield.

He added: "The message is coming out loud and clear that the park is a priority. We will deal with the problem."

Councillor Andy Scott also warned about the dangers of moving the problem to another part of town.

He said that is what happened six years ago when measures were taken because the area had the worst rates for anti-social behaviour in the town.

Coun Wallis wrote on his online blog after the meeting that there was "cynicism as to whether anything could change" but urged residents to report any incidents.

Following each Pact meeting, Police make three priorities for the area. Anti-social behaviour was one of three drawn up, along with riding of illegal motorbikes and speeding.