A CAMPAIGN to tackle anti-social behaviour in a north Durham village was launched yesterday.

Police and other organisations are staging a StreetSafe initiative in Burnhope over the next two-and-a-half weeks.

Run by officers from Consett beat teams, the operation began with a multi-agency walkabout, to identify problems relating to rubbish build-up, graffiti and other low-level crime.

As well as officers from the road policing and automatic number plate recognition units and the off-road motorcycle section, agencies taking part include Customs and Excise and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.

The police schools liaison officer will visit the local primary school to talk to children about criminal damage and anti-social behaviour, the main issues that blight the village.

Community Inspector Andy McConnell, of Consett police, said the area has an unusually high fear of crime, and evening foot patrols will be stepped up during the operation in a bid to reassure the community.

He said: "We hope residents will feel more confident in contacting the police, both during the operation and in the weeks that follow. It is important that local people support our action and make full use of this opportunity to improve relationships with the police."

Police and fire service officers will carry out joint patrols to reduce grassland and rubbish fires, for which Derwentside has one of the highest figures in the county.

A joint venture during the Easter holidays reduced them by 20 per cent from the same period last year.

Peter Hewitson, assistant district manager with the fire service, said: "We have got problems up there at the plantations, behind the television mast and the Ivy Lead Working Men's Club.

"The kids go there to get out of the way, and light campfires to keep warm, but they leave them and they spread, and we have to deal with them.

"Sometimes it can require two or three fire appliances to deal with it and it can take a long time. It is a drain on our resources, and it means that lives are being put at risk."

The multi-agency resource centre vehicle will provide a central point for those taking part in the operation.