A NEW police office that is putting the beat bobby back at the heart of a village community will open next month.

Officers have spent the past few weeks moving into a new sub-station in Blackhill, Consett.

The move from nearby Shotley Bridge into a former industrial unit in Derwent Street has delighted community leaders.

Derwentside district councillor Duncan Barnett, ward member for Benfieldside, said: "The residents are overjoyed about the police coming back into the community.

"Two of the main issues in the ward are fear of crime and anti-social behaviour.

"The police have always been good at addressing anti-social behaviour.

"Having the police office is a major step towards addressing fear of crime."

The site is close to the village's main shopping area, and aims to promote greater access to residents.

Inspector Catherine Boyd said: "It is a much better place for the office, just off the front street and accessible for people.

"It is a great facility for the community and we hope that people make the most of it."

The building is owned by placemat manufacturer Pimpernel, whose factory is next door.

Bosses agreed to lease the empty building to Durham Constabulary for a nominal rent.

Julian Nicholls, Pimpernel chief executive, said: "We had a request from the police and felt this could be a very important community resource, so we were happy to help."

The office will open on September 1. It will be manned by both beat bobbies and core officers - who respond to 999 calls - and covers an area from Leadgate to Hamsterley Mill.