Police are using new measures to tackle problems in the Deneside area of Seaham, where residents have complained of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act, police can remove under-16s to their homes if they are out on the streets between 2100 and 0600 BST.

The scheme will start on 26 April and run for six months.

Measures under the act also give police the power to disperse groups of two or more if they are intimidating, alarming or causing distress to others.

Quite simply doing nothing is not an option. Chief Inspector Dave Hogg

Officers can order anyone who does not live within the designated area to leave and not return within 24 hours.

Durham Police said the decision to bring in the order follows continued disruption caused by gangs of young people, sometimes up to 40-strong.

There has also been a persistent problem with under-age drinking.

There have been attempts to encourage teenagers to get involved in diversionary schemes including football, karate and horse riding, but there has been a minimal take-up.

North area command community justice manager Chief Inspector Dave Hogg said: "On average we get 50 calls a month in Deneside complaining of anti-social behaviour by young people. Quite simply doing nothing is not an option.

"Not all the young people on the estate are bad kids, but there is a hard core of troublemakers who are making life a misery for law-abiding residents."

The initiative is being backed by the District of Easington.