POLICE chiefs have vowed to crack down on 'yob culture' by launching a county-wide scheme aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour.

Prime Minister Tony Blair took time out of his schedule on his visit to the area last week to congratulate Durham Constabulary on its efforts to improve the quality of life for 'law-abiding citizens.'

He said: "It is about putting the ordinary law-abiding citizens back at the centre of the system. It recognises their civil liberties. Their civil rights have to come first.''

Mr Blair said that StreetSafe was listening to what communities wanted and returning to the values of mutual respect.

About 150 people gathered at Hardwick Hall in Sedgefield, on Friday, for the unveiling of the initiative, which Chief Constable Paul Garvin vowed was here to stay. He said: "We are a really successful high performing force in policing terms. We have a very low crime rate per head of population.

"But we have the highest level of fear of anti-social behaviour. The StreetSafe Campaign is about listening more closely to victims and giving them confidence that we are taking their problems seriously by tackling head-on the behaviour and issues that can have such a huge impact on everyday lives. StreetSafe isn't one of these flash in the pans where we invest our resources for two months and then it goes away. It is here to stay."

Community inspectors are working closely with each of the 13 communities in the Durham and Darlington area to tackle the issues identified.

The scheme is already operating and enjoying success in areas such as Coundon and Newton Aycliffe where police presence has improved and beat officers are working closely with members of the community groups.

Community Inspector for Bishop Auckland Ian Butler, said: "We have already started the ball rolling in Bishop Auckland and it is working."