Police patrol teens keep
WARNING TO YOUNGSTERS GATHERING FOR PARTIES UNDER BRIDGE
Reporter NEEDLES, smashed glass and empty cans have been found under a Chesterle-Street bridge that has become a popular partying spot for young people.
Around 100 young people, who are thought to have been celebrating the end of exams, were seen under the A1 bridge over the River Wear, leaving a trail of mess behind them.
Members of Chester-le-Street and District Angling Club say youngsters frequently gather at the site, with members finding hypodermic syringes along with broken glass bottles and empty plastic bottles and cans.
The club, Durham County Council and Chester-leStreet police have now joined forces to crack down on antisocial behaviour, which will include an increase of police patrols.
Dale Cowey, secretary of the angling club, fears someone will be killed if the unruly behaviour continues.
He said: “The riverside is a beautiful, public walkway but the river, itself, is deep, fast flowing in places and full hidden pitfalls. “Mixing alcohol and/or drugs with the potential hazards presented by the river is a very dangerous cocktail and we feel it is only a matter of time before tragedy strikes.” Mr Cowey said anti-social behaviour at the bridge increases during the summer period. He added: “It is a big problem and has become more and more persistent over the years. “They climb the bridge structure and walk across it to get to the other side. “It is quite out of the way down there, if anything should happen when someone is intoxicated it is difficult to get the emergency services down there. “The river is deep in areas as well. If someone went in they could find themselves in trouble. “There have been a lot of deaths in Dale Cowey