TALKS are to take place over how to tackle anti-social behaviour in a Bishop Auckland park.

Residents have raised concerns over a constant spate of vandalism at Bishop Auckland Recreation Ground.

Underage drinking, smashed glass in the grass and litter are just some of the complaints which have been made to Councillor Sam Zair in recent months.

In a meeting chaired by Andrew Walker, of Bishop Auckland and Shildon Area Action Partnership (AAP), Cllr Zair, officers from Durham Police, firefighters from County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, and representatives from a number of organisations, including Durham County Council, will meet tomorrow (Friday, August 8) to discuss the problems.

Cllr Zair is keen to see an alcohol free zone put in place, a move he thinks will reduce the amount of anti-social behaviour and also help the police.

“What concerns me is broken glass in the grass,” said Cllr Zair, who has raised some of the problems at one of the town’s Police and Communities Together (Pact) meetings.

“Someone is going to get hurt. Some of it is close to the play area.

“I have had quite a few people call me. They are concerned. I have seen the mess and I also have some very graphic photographs. We need to do something about it.

“I mentioned at one of the Pact meetings an alcohol free zone would be a good idea. I think it would help solve the problem and also help the police who are being called out.”

Cllr Zair said as recent as this week he has seen broken glass scattered near the play area. He is said with it being the summer holiday more people are using the recreation ground.

“The meeting will look at how we can tackle the problems with the youths and make it a less dangerous place for children,” he added. “Everyone is onboard to get it sorted out and we will see what we can do.

“This hasn’t just started, this has been an ongoing problem for the last three or four years.

“I want to make it a safer and much more enjoyable place to be without the worry.”