A crackdown on low-level crime and disorder in Brandon has achieved impressive early results.

Police say the initiative, launched last week and the first of its kind in the county, has already led to a 70 per cent drop in calls about nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

The Durham force says extra uniformed officers, reinforcing high visibility foot patrols by local beat officers have been well received in the neighbourhood.

"It is much too early to draw any lasting conclusions but a drop in calls of more than 70 per cent is very encouraging," said Sgt Colin Williamson, local beat team leader.

The scheme, is spearheaded the police, fire service, councils and other organisations, and is planned to run for three months. The first phase focused on 200 homes in the Vicarage Flats, Dunelm Court and Redwood areas but will switch to other problem locations.

An essential part of the initiative has been to listen to young people and ensure they have opportunities to get involved and influence local decision-making and planning.

The County Durham Youth Engagement Service and partners spoke to more than 300 youngsters - mostly teenagers - at three evening sessions to find out what changes they wanted to make the town safer and more enjoyable.

"There's no doubting that if young people are involved in making their community a safer place, this will impact positively on adults in those communities too," said Julie Scurfield, the service's area manager.

"They are not asking for a lot - they would like somewhere they can sit and meet their friends, a place they can call their own that is well lit and safe. They also suggested the youth club could open on more evenings.

"The youngsters themselves feel they are being listened to, are part of the community and have something to contribute."

A petition signed by more than 300 young people, who have formed an action group, has been handed to Labour's parliamentary candidate for Durham, Roberta Blackman-Woods, calling for better facilities for them.

She said she was approached by the leaders of the group, Kimberly Donnelly and Natalie Stones.

"It is very encouraging to see young people campaigning for their area and putting forward ideas to keep young people occupied and out of trouble. The fantastic efforts of these two young women should be fully supported."