The work follows community concerns about groups of youths targeting take away premises, throwing eggs and acting disorderly outside premises.

This led to nine arrests for harrassing behaviour and the issuing of six Acceptable Behaviour Agreements.

Neighbourhood Inspector Richard Yeats said: "We are listening to the local community and what they want and we have a drive over the next three months to curb anti-social behaviour.

"We will use every tool at our disposal to reduce this behaviour and steer youths away from disorder on the streets.

"Parents are also urged to take responsibility for their children and know where they are and who they are associating with.

"A large group of teenagers on a street corner can be intimidating - youths and parents have to understand this.

"Officers are working closely with volunteer organisations to steer youngsters away from causing a nuisance and into constructive activities."

A number of evening activities are available in the Hirst area with youth clubs on Wednesday and Friday evenings and boxing training on Monday and Friday nights.

Paul Kelly, Wansbeck Council community safety officer, said: "Wansbeck District Council and Wansbeck Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership work very closely with the police tackling incidents of anti-social behaviour and community nuisance.

"The recent arrests are as a consequence of this excellent joint working relationship."