SIX youths have been identified by police after a concerns were raised over anti-social behaviour at Hexham Bus Station.

Neighbourhood Inspector for Tynedale, Pam Bridges, said she hoped joint action against them by Northumbria Police and Northumberland County Council would serve as a warning to others.

“We hope this will send a clear message to anyone else who thinks that this sort of behaviour is acceptable, that there are consequences to their actions,” she said.

It comes after Deb Humble, who runs the Tasty Bites refreshment kiosk within the bus station, issued a plea for help from local councillors after repeatedly raising her concerns with police.

Hexham Town Council was told a broken window had cost £4,000 to repair while staff had been greeted by empty alcohol bottles, used condoms and toilets blocked with sharps due to drug use.

“Patrols have been increased in the area, which some nights has seen PCSOs on the ground until 9pm. The area is also covered 24 hours a day by our response officers,” added Insp. Bridges.

“The damaged window was the result of an accident and the party involved volunteered to pay the repairs.

“With regards to concerns about teenagers drinking alcohol, we will investigate any reports we receive.

“Since the bus station opened in November 2016, we have been made aware of one occasion when syringes were found but there has been no further evidence of drug use highlighted to the police.

“My plea to everyone is to make sure incidents are reported. It is only by doing this that we can build a detailed picture of what is happening, so we know where to direct resources.

“It is also important to recognise the concerns being expressed are not indicative of all young people, the majority of whom contribute positively to their community.”