PEOPLE plagued by nuisance neighbours have a new council officer to turn to for help.

Graham Carter has been appointed by Darlington Borough Council as a tenancy enforcement officer.

He will offer help to council tenants who are caught up in disputes with neighbours or being harassed by people living nearby.

He will talk to both sides in a dispute and try to find an amicable solution, while ensuring people are keeping to their tenancy agreements.

Pauline Mitchell, head of housing at Darlington Borough Council, said: "People have had housing officers to talk to in the past, but now there is someone dedicated to help out with problems.

"Graham is visiting various areas in the town and speaking to residents and neighbourhood groups to try to find out how he can best help people."