FEAR of crime will be on the agenda next week when a Government team visits Durham City.

Members of Durham County Council will meet the Home Office's Fear of Crime team at County Hall to discuss what the Government is doing to reduce fear of crime.

The chairman of the authority's Scrutiny Working Group, Councillor Jim Cordon, said: "Fear of crime is a major issue in the county and we are keen to discuss the Government's approach and find out examples of good practice.

"People in County Durham do have a high fear of crime and there are many factors, including graffiti, vandalism or anti-social behaviour, which makes them feel threatened."