TWO months after setting up a controversial “private police force” in a North-East town, the company’s boss has been invited to speak at a Westminster debate on the future of policing.

Francis Jones, of Darlington, will appear alongside leading figures in policing, including Sir Ian Blair, former chief of the Metropolitan Police.

The event has been designed to help shape national policy on policing, and will be attended by decision makers from the Government.

Mr Jones and his firm, Sparta Security, set up patrols in areas of Darlington most affected by anti-social behaviour.

He charges residents £3.50 a week, and in return will look after property, respond to calls, and patrol streets.

The business began in the Skerne Park and Eastbourne areas, but has since expanded to the West End of the town.

He said he would use his five minutes on stage to urge police and councils to work closer with private security firms to tackle problem areas.

“In five years’ time there will be a lot more firms,” he said. “Sparta has kicked this off. Times are changing.

“In London, I will be saying that they have got to work with it, but they have to make sure it is well-monitored and regulated. You can’t have anybody starting up.

“Providers should be accredited, and work closer with other bodies such as the council, to give the public more confidence.

“Sparta Street Safe is not the police, and doesn’t want to be the police. We are the eyes and ears of the public.”

Mr Jones said he had approached Darlington Borough Council this week about creating a stronger working relationship.

One of his proposals was patrols of Darlington’s graveyards, which have been hit with vandalism.

“I can get involved, I can help – they have to be willing to try,” he said. “In our first month alone, anti-social behaviour in Skerne Park fell by 50 per cent.

“Business is doing well. We are taking calls from different areas in town wanting us to start up in their areas.”

The London event takes place on March 18. It has been organised by the Westminster Legal Policy Forum,which organises informative events for policy makers.