Clampdown on town centre racers

Police in Darlington have launched a clampdown on intimidation by "boy racers" in the town centre.

Up to 100 young drivers sometimes congregate in the area in the evening, usually on weekends or Mondays.

Police have received reports of traffic offences in Skinnergate and Commercial Street, and in one instance a car collided with the entrance to a club.

From this weekend, officers will be in the town centre to educate drivers and issue any troublemakers with a warning.

If a warning notice has previously been issued to the owner of a vehicle, it will be seized, and a recovery fee will be charged.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "The intention is not to stop the gatherings, but to ensure those involved are educated in relation to road safety and understand they will be dealt with if they carry out any sort of anti-social behaviour."