POLICE are asking a community to help them to tackle problems of anti-social behaviour.

West Cornforth has been identified as a crime and disorder hotspot by officers who say they are determined to improve the quality of life for residents.

The crackdown is part of the county-wide StreetSafe initiative, which was launched last week by Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Measures in West Cornforth could include entering into acceptable behaviour contracts with people who continue to offend on a regular basis.

These are voluntary contracts drawn up with the police and other agencies, such as the borough council, and sets out conditions of behaviour which are deemed unacceptable.

There will also be high profile patrols by beat teams, community support officers and borough wardens.

Insp Steve Winship, community inspector for the area, said officers will need the support of the community if they are to succeed.

He said: "We know who the individuals are a lot of the time, but we need more information and more community intelligence.

"If we are going to tackle this problem effectively in West Cornforth we need ordinary members of the public to come forward, perhaps in a confidential way, and report incidents of anti-social or criminal behaviour."

Insp Winship said the new community beat teams were determined to tackle the problems, not just in West Cornforth, but across Sedgefield borough.

He said: "People who do offend and cause major problems in the community can be assured they will be targetted by not just the police, but a number of different agencies.

"If necessary the full weight of the criminal law and any powers in relation to anti-social behaviour will always be considered and potentially used."

Insp Winship said: "The majority of young people are law abiding and cause no problems which is why it's vital we work with other agencies and, through open and frank discussions with the young people themselves, try and make them aware of the problems and give them with things to do.

Anyone wanting to report examples of anti-social behaviour in West Cornforth can contact Insp Winship or PC Paul Gallagher, the village beat officer, on (01325) 314401.