PLANS to close a popular Bishop Auckland park at night are just one of the ideas being considered to prevent anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.

Police carried out Operation StaySafe (CORR) at Bishop Auckland Recreation Ground last weekend following concerns raised by residents living nearby.

About 150 young people were asked to leave the park as officers seized a large quantity of alcohol.

A man was given a £90 fixed penalty notice for supplying alcohol to an underage drinker.

The operation involved Bishop Auckland Neighbourhood Police Team, together with the force’s alcohol harm reduction unit, Durham County Council’s licensing officers and trading standards, neighbourhood wardens, youth workers and 4Real (CORR), which is the young persons’ alcohol and drug service.

The youngsters involved are said to have come from Bishop Auckland as well as surrounding towns such as Crook and Spennymoor.

Ideas being considered to combat the anti-social behaviour problems include closing the park at night and installing lighting.

Inspector Martin Peace said: “I am appealing to parents to find out where their children are if they have gone out and check if they are coming in smelling of drink.

“They are putting themselves in danger. We are doing this for their benefit.”

Bishop Auckland county councillor Sam Zair said: “People visiting the recreation ground are coming from other towns. Apparently it is all on Facebook.

“We need to see if we can get to the bottom of this problem and put a stop to it.”

Groups of youths were spoken to and alcohol was seized both from under-18s and from young adults who might supply alcohol to underage drinkers.

Five intoxicated 14-year-olds were taken to a place of safety where, together with their parents or carers, they were given advice from 4Real.

Alcohol seized included 50 cans of lager and three bottles of vodka, as well as spirits mixed with soft drinks in plastic bottles, dip-tested to establish the presence of alcohol.

A quantity of drugs was seized after a 17-year-old youth and an 18-year-old man travelling in a car were stopped.

The youth was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offence weapon and possession of drugs with intent to supply and the 18-year-old on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply. They have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Mick Urwin, of Durham Police, added: “These are intelligence-led operations and we act upon information from local people, targeting those areas and individuals involved.

“The aim is to educate young people and local retailers about the harm posed by alcohol and, where there is evidence, we will carry out enforcement.”

Anyone with any information about anti-social behaviour and underage drinking should call Durham Police on 101.