A PUBLIC meeting will be held to discuss anti-social behaviour in Haltwhistle.

It comes after a long-serving councillor told a meeting of Tynedale Local Area Council that he had been told by around 20 members of the public at a town council meeting of gangs of youths carrying knives in the town.

Haltwhistle Town Council chairman Alan Sharp told Northumbria Police's acting neighbourhood inspector for the Tynedale area, Kate Benson, that residents were "scared to walk down the street at night" following a spate of anti-social behaviour.

READ MORE: 'Scared to walk down street at night' - Claims gangs are carrying knifes in town

However, the councillor for Haydon and Hadrian's concerns were played down by the acting Insp, who said she didn't believe there are gangs in Haltwhistle and "there is no background and substance to reports of people carrying knives."

Cllr Sharp said: "I'm well aware there are issues going on in Haltwhistle, I've seen videos showing the problems with antisocial behaviour in the town.

"I want people to feel safe when they're walking the streets.

"It's important that anyone whose got concerns about anything in Haltwhistle, attends the public meeting so their concerns can be addressed by the police and respective bodies.

"I don't think it's something that's totally out of hand but it's happening regular.

"I think the police have definitely got more regular patrols in Haltwhistle at the minute and are addressing the problem."

The meeting, arranged by the town council, will take place on March 29 from 7pm at Haltwhistle Methodist Chapel and will be attended by police and representatives from local housing associations and the county council.