DURHAM'S new team of police inspectors have spelt out their intent to tackle anti-social behaviour and disorder.

The 13 community inspectors have been given the task of specifically tackling what police describe as 'quality of life issues,' which includes offences such as vandalism, graffiti, under-age drinking and off-road motorbiking.

They finished an intensive two-week training programme last Friday, before taking on their new roles on Monday. As well as tackling anti-social behaviour, their new remit will involve working with community organisations and residents to tackle problems at a grassroots level.

Stanley Community Inspector Ian Proud, who was formerly responsible for Derwentside, said under the new restructuring all the inspectors could now focus on tackling problems in one particular area. He said: "I know what the issues are in Stanley, but previously my time had not been totally focused on that area because I've had so many other priorities."

Chester-le-Street Community Inspector Dave Marshall said the 24-hour response to crime was not going to change, but there would be much more emphasis on working with people and groups in communities.

He said: "It's about bringing the focus to community policing and working in partnership with other organisations."

The restructuring of Durham Police this month, also involved replacing the constabulary's six divisions with a north division - with its headquarters in Chester-le-Street - and a south division, based in Darlington.

The police force is considering introducing more beat officers with the money saved through the loss of four chief superintendent posts.

Chief Supt Michael Banks, who is in charge of the new South Durham division said although many of the new community inspectors had been in charge of a town police station before, there were plenty of new challenges for them.

He said: "Even if they had done something similar before, this is a new role for them with new job descriptions."