VILLAGERS have voiced their grievances about crime and policing in the community.

A public meeting had been called to address residents' concerns that vandalism and disorder have increased in Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, which they say is attributed to a lack of continuity in beat officers allocated to the village.

At the meeting, which took place last week, treasurer of Great Lumley Residents' Association, John Parkin, said the village has suffered £30,000 worth of damage to the community centre and £10,000 worth of damage to the Co-op store in the past three months.

Residents also highlighted the fact that Great Lumley no longer has a police house after it was sold about two years ago, while the neighbouring villages of Pelton and Sacriston have police stations.

Speaking after the meeting, chairman of the residents' association Richard Court said the evening became quite rowdy at times as people aired their grievances. About 200 residents attended the meeting, along with Durham North MP Kevan Jones.

Another meeting is to take place later in the summer to review the situation.

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 said they have also been working with Chester-le-Street District Council to put together acceptable behaviour contracts.