AN MP joined crime and safety teams to identify and clean up crime and trouble hot-spots.

Phil Wilson, MP for Sedgefield, was in West Cornforth on Wednesday, as part of an operation co-ordinated by Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership's Street Safe initiative. The project focuses on tackling anti-social behaviour, crime, environmental issues and improving relationships within the community.

Mr Wilson said West Cornforth had had problems in the past, but stressed that a lot of good work had been done.

"It was interesting going round and meeting the residents and seeing the kind of issues that are affecting them," said Mr Wilson.

Teams from Sedgefield Borough Council, the police and the fire service will be talking to residents during the two-week operation.

Mr Wilson said: "One of the things we have been on the look out for are 'signal crimes', things like graffiti and vandalism, things that contribute to the fear of crime.

"I'm pleased to say the agencies are doing a great job over in West Cornforth, but we can always do more."