CRIME and the fear of crime is in the spotlight at an open evening focusing on Community Safety next week.

Wear Valley Community Network has organised the event in the Four Clocks Centre, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, on October 27.

Durham police's south area commander, Chief Superintendent Michael Banks, and other senior officers will present information on the current state of crime and disorder and measures being taken to tackle it. Other topics include the StreetSafe scheme, a crime and disorder plan and a Community Safety Audit.

Community network co- ordinator David Craggs said: "We have organised this event to give people the opportunity to ask the questions they want and raise issues they want to talk about. This is a huge opportunity for people to have a direct involvement in the development of the Community Safety Strategy and influence plans that will impact on crime and disorder in the district for the next three years."

Anyone wanting to attend the meeting, which starts at 6.30pm, should contact David Craggs at 2D in Crook Business Centre, telephone (01388) 762220.