POLICE are planning a sweep through a community in a concerted effort to clamp down on troublemakers and to help dispel the fear of crime.

Durham Constabulary's StreetSafe: Fighting the Fear of Crime campaign will move into Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, in the New Year following its success in nearby Brandon.

Police and community leaders have urged residents to become involved in the scheme, which will later move on to Pelton.

Community Inspector Paul Anderson said: "This campaign is part of a drive to reassure the public and to counter their fear of crime.

"The campaign lasting three months 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.

"The aim is to help make Sacriston a safer and more confident community."

Insp Anderson said: "It will be pointless us just going on and doing what we want, so before we do we will be consulting with the public.

"We would urge people to attend public meetings planned to tell us what their problems are and we will ensure they are addressed."

StreetSafe will involve high visibility patrols, while community support officers and beat officers will identify graffiti, which will then be cleaned by council workers.

Firebrigade officers will also be identifying any fire hazards with the council providing skips and collection services to clear it up. Officers also visit schools to raise awareness about the dangers of drugs.

Chester-le-Street District Council chief executive Roy Templeman said: "We are really excited about this campaign. A key issue is going to be returning to measuring its success. We don't want to dip in and come out again and not leave something that is going to be sustainable.

"We want to come up with something that is going to continue afterwards as a working relationship with the community with us and the police continuing to offer advice and support."

A public meeting will be held at Fyndoune Community College, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, on Tuesday. A further public meeting will be held at Sacriston Community Centre, from 7pm to 9pm, on Monday, November 29.