A PUBLIC meeting will allow residents on a troubled North-East estate to explain how the lifting of a curfew has affected them.

The Deneside area of Seaham, County Durham, was subjected to a Section 30 Order six months ago, which allowed police to disperse groups of two or more people if they were engaged in intimidation or causing alarm or distress.

There was also a curfew imposed under which anyone under the age of 16 could be returned to their home after 9pm unless they were under adult supervision or were involved in legitimate activities.

The order proved effective and reduced the number of complaints to police concerning youths causing annoyance by a third, as well as cutting incidents of criminal damage and arson.

It proved so successful that the Order was lifted two weeks ahead of schedule.

Durham Police, in conjunction with the District of Easington Community Safety Partnership, will hold a public meeting to discuss policing and quality of life issues for the Deneside estates at Seaham Leisure Centre at 7pm on Wednesday.

The meeting will enable the public to express their views on the order.

Inspector Geoff Smith said: "Durham Constabulary welcomes comments about the way we work and we wish to engage more closely with people in the Deneside area. We are determined to increase public confidence and the feeling of safety within communities."