A POLICE officer is inviting people to raise issues at advice surgeries.

PC Tracy Sanderson, beat officer for Ushaw Moor, Bearpark and Broompark for the past two years, hopes to establish Wednesday morning surgeries, starting next week.

PC Sanderson is inviting people to call at Community House, Holly Park, Ushaw Moor, between 10am and 11am, and raise police-related issues or seek advice.

Plans are also being discussed to introduce a secure drop-in box, enabling those who are reluctant to speak to the beat officer, or who cannot attend the sessions, to submit their concerns in writing.

The box would be kept permanently at Community House, and only PC Sanderson would have access to its contents. The 32-year-old officer, who has been based in the Meadowfield section office for six of her eight years' service, said: "These advice sessions are going ahead on a three-month trial basis.

"If the response from local people is good, they would almost certainly continue beyond that initial period."

Concerns most often raised by residents relate to under-age drinking, rowdy behaviour and drug abuse.

PC Sanderson said: "The drop-in box is just an idea at the moment, but if it was introduced, it might make it easier for people to contact me. I appreciate the time of surgeries may be inconvenient for some local residents or they may be unwilling to speak to an officer in person.

"However, if they choose to get in touch, I am here to respond to their concerns.