Town given cash for trouble spots

A County Durham town has been granted thousands of pounds to help target anti-social behaviour in the most trouble-hit areas.

Darlington's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership has secured £65,000 from the government.

It will be used to buy a mobile unit which will go into areas worst hit by crime and anti-social behaviour.

A social worker will also be appointed to work with young people on the streets at night.

'Real difference'

A youth offending officer will also be employed to support young people at risk of committing crime as well as those already going through the legal system.

Councillor Bill Dixon said: "This money will enable us and our partners to make a real difference in the communities worst affected by anti-social behaviour and crime.

"With the intelligence we have we will be able to use the mobile unit to target specific areas at times when we know there are problems.

"It means we'll be reaching more young people and making the streets safer for everyone."