POLICE say anti-social behaviour in a small village has plummeted since they cleared out a makeshift camp where youths were gathering to drink on summer evenings.

Residents began raising concerns of a growing problem of youth nuisance in Langley Moor, near Durham City, several months ago.

Complaints were made to the police and aired at public meetings during May and June.

Villagers said youths were drinking in back streets, a derelict garage and an outdoor camp, built among shrubs.

Officers from Durham Police, working with Durham County Council and others, identified where the problems were happening and moved in to demolish the garage, clear out the camp and cut back greenery to prevent it being rebuilt.

On several occasions, officers seized alcohol from under-age youths.

For those whose parents were willing to be involved, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs) were signed. Some of the kids were referred to 4real, a free and confidential youth drug and alcohol service operating across County Durham.

Police also hope to obtain two Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Crasbos), against the two youngsters they believe were the main instigators of the problems.

Paul Anderson, neighbourhood inspector for Durham City, said the operation had been very successful and the problems had mostly been stopped.

He said: "The police and Durham County Council tackled the problem through a partnership approach.

"The problems have ceased and this is a good example of partnership work between organisations and the community in tackling concerns raised by the public."

Insp Anderson said one or two issues remained, including around a particular house where youths are still gathering.

Follow-up enquiries around this house were continuing, he said.

Despite having seen a number of drugs raids as part of Operation Nimrod in recent months, Langley Moor was not particularly a problem area for the police, Insp Anderson said.

However, officers would be keeping a constant watch on the area and listening to and liaising with members of the public, he added.

To report a crime, call Durham Police on 0345-60-60-365 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.