Evictions threatened over disorder

A GANG of youths has been accused of causing misery on a Tyneside estate – and now parents have been told they could lose their homes if their teens don’t behave.

The group of youngsters, aged from 11 to 17, have been reportedly gathering in Meadow Well and causing trouble for residents.

Police say the vast majority of troublemakers don’t live in the area but are arriving from other parts of North Shields and even Wallsend, often on the Metro.

Their behaviour has involved sus- pected criminal damage, including throwing stones, setting bins on fire, being abusive, intimidating l residents, littering and riding bikes or scooters dangerously.

Now their parents have been warned they could be evicted from their homes if the youngsters don’t stop causing problems.

Police officers and representatives from North Tyneside Council turned up on doorsteps at 7am on Friday and handed out letters telling parents action will be taken to make sure estates are free from anti-social behaviour. Nine homes were visited as part of Operation Respect.

Some parents claimed they did not know their children had been involved in any disorder, while others said they were trying their best to control the antics of their teens.

At one address a couple were told their 11-year-old son must start behaving.

The mother said: “It’s a nightmare, I’m trying my best. I’m doing the best I can.”