VILLAGERS met last week to discuss their concerns about crime and policing in Lumley.

The public meeting had been called by Great Lumley Residents' Association and Chester-le-Street ward councillor Audrey Willis, to address residents' fears that incidents of vandalism and disorder have increased because of a lack of continuity with beat officers allocated to the village.

Association treasurer John Parkin said the village had suffered £30,000 worth of damage to the community centre and £10,000 worth of damage to the Co-op in the past three months.

Speaking after the event, association chairman Richard Court said the evening became 'quite rowdy' at times as people aired their grievances.

About 200 residents turned out for the meeting at Great Lumley Community Centre, which was also attended by Durham North MP Kevan Jones.

Mr Court said: "It was also pointed out that the neighbouring villages of Pelton and Sacriston had police stations in their villages with none in Great Lumley.

"The police house complete with cells was sold approximately two years ago. The meeting ended with the MP agreeing that something had to be done to help the village.

"It was agreed that a meeting would be called after the summer school holidays to check on progress."

Police have said they have already gone to 'some lengths' to tackle problems caused by a small group of young people and have deployed the beat support unit from headquarters on two occasions. They say they have also been working with Chester-le-Street District Council to put together acceptable behaviour contracts.