RESIDENTS, emergency services, and housing officials have pledged to work together to tackle anti-social behaviour in part of Crook.

Every household on the Watergate Estate will receive a copy of the Watergate Estate Neighbourhood Agreement, which was drawn up after residents identified the key issues affecting the estate.

Problem areas were highlighted as anti-social behaviour from youths, dog fouling, litter, fly-tipping, drug abuse, vandalism, and graffiti.

Organisations involved with the agreement include Dale and Valley Homes, Durham Police, street wardens, the Watergate Action Group residents’ association, Durham County Council, Groundwork West Durham, and the fire service.

Pat Wanless, director of housing at Dale and Valley Homes, said: "By working with all sectors of the community we can improve quality of life for everyone, and improve levels of respect on the estate - respect for other people, respect for property, and respect for the environment.

"This the first agreement that we have launched in the Wear Valley area, and this is the first of the residents groups to actively work with us and all the partner agencies.

"They have addressed what is important to where they live, and for their community.

"I think this will be a success, because this is not just one group trying to make a difference, it is a joint effort."

Projects in the pipeline include a neighbourhood assessment with Dale and Valley Homes to establish areas of concern, environmental projects with Groundwork, and a quarterly newsletter to residents delivering progress updates.

The agreement will be closely monitored by set targets to ensure it is working efficiently in the area.

Existing projects on the estate will be included within the agreement.

Ken Godard, secretary of the Watergate Action Group, said: "The problems on this estate are the same as those which affect any run down and depressed area. People were getting fed up with it. I think this agreement is a great idea."

Group chairman Bill Lomax also praised the initiative and thanked the customer services team at Dale and Valley Homes for their involvement in drawing up the agreement.