A NEW police chief has taken up command in Chester-le-Street with the pledge to continue building on the force's close links with the community.

Inspector Paul Anderson succeeds Inspector Dave Marshall, who retired as the town's community inspector last week.

Insp Anderson, 43, who joined Durham Constabulary 20 years ago, worked in Pelton and Sacriston before taking over as a community inspector in Derwentside a year ago.

He said: "Because of the affinity I have for the area, when I heard that Insp Marshall was retiring, it was too good an opportunity to miss.

"I was fortunate enough to get the post and my aims now are, of course, to carry on the work of Insp Marshall.

"I firmly believe in working closely with the community - working in partnership with people is the way forward."

He added: "I was a sergeant here so I understand the problems and issues."

One of first projects Insp Anderson will oversee is the StreetSafe campaign in Sacriston - followed later by the launch of the campaign in Pelton.

StreetSafe will stage a sweep through the community in a concerted effort to clamp down on troublemakers and to help dispel the fear of crime.

The campaign, lasting three months in Sacriston, will tackle issues such as anti-social behaviour, graffiti, litter, and fire hazards.

It will be a partnership involving Chester-le-Street District Council, social services, the crime prevention team and firefighters.

Insp Anderson said: "We have had two community consultation meetings and will be drawing up an action plan to meet the concerns expressed."