People in a County Durham town have been left "frightened" and taking detours to avoid their bus station because of anti-social behaviour.
People using Consett town centre have described feeling unsafe, avoiding the bus station altogether and changing their routes to steer clear of groups they say are causing disruption.
Several residents who spoke to The Northern Echo said concerns about anti-social behaviour were affecting how often they visit the town and whether they feel comfortable using the station.
One resident heading into the bus station said concerns centred on the behaviour of some people gathering there.
"It's the language and you don't know if they're on drinks or on drugs," they said.
"It does worry you because we want to get home, you see? This is it."
Another Consett resident said they actively avoid using the station when possible.
"Oh, I wouldn't go to the bus station," they said.
"I'd rather struggle the walk. Because of the vandalism.
"I wouldn't want to be caught up in it.
"I had to go to Newcastle a few weeks back and just to go into the bus station itself didn't feel secure."
Councillor Kathryn Rooney said: "Someone said she was shouted at while trying to go to the bank.
"There are a lot of people staying clear of the town centre [because of anti-social behaviour]."
Cllr Kathryn Rooney. (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
'It makes you a bit wary'
Dawn Hogarth, 65, from Ebchester, said scenes she had witnessed recently had left her feeling uneasy.
"I came up on Friday and there was a woman had this fella pinned down in the bus stand," she said.
"It makes you a bit wary about having to walk through the bus station at times.
"I have to stand outside actually.
"I think there should be more done about it actually, sometimes when you get them either sitting on that seat or sitting on one of these seats all congregating together a chunk or off their heads or whatever else."
Others said they regularly alter their journeys to avoid walking through the station.
A Chopwell resident visiting Consett for shopping said she normally takes a different route.
"I don't like it," she said.
"It's a bit creepy when you see them all standing with their bottles and having a ball."
Susan, from Consett, said she was reluctant to use the station after dark.
"I wouldn't like to go in on a night time, because teenagers are stopping and chatting and it's just not very pleasant."
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Sharon McCourt, 53, from Leadgate, said concerns about behaviour at the station were having an impact on people's confidence.
"I think it's obviously bothering a lot of people in the area and stuff," she said.
"There's normally a group of kids there and they're just causing disruption to the area.
"And some people are obviously frightened to go through the bus station and stuff like that."
The comments come amid ongoing concerns about anti-social behaviour in parts of Consett, with several residents telling The Echo they would like to see more done to make the area feel safer for people travelling through the town.
Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “Anti-social behaviour is an issue we take seriously as we recognise the impact it has on our communities.
“We work closely with Durham Constabulary and other partners to help ensure our towns are safe and welcoming and that support is given to those in need.
“Across the partnership a range of tools and powers are used to tackle antisocial behaviour, and our Cabinet will next week consider whether to consult on proposed Public Space Protection Orders for town centres and bus stations, including Consett.
“We would like to reassure residents and visitors to Consett that we are acting on the concerns raised and would encourage anyone who witnesses or is a victim of antisocial behaviour to report it as soon as possible by calling 101 or online at www.durham.gov.uk/onlineservices.”