A PARTNERSHIP aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in the neighbourhoods of South Gateshead has been launched.

Blizzard, a task force working to crack down on criminal activity in seven wards of the borough opened for business at its new base in the Beacon Lough Estate at the turn of the year.

Made up of eight Gateshead Council Neighbourhood Relations staff and two beat officers from Northumbria Police, Blizzard aims to provide a rapid reaction force in the heart of the community.

Funded by more than £114,000 of Home Office grants through the Communities Against Drugs initiative, the Blizzard team also wants to address the problem of drugs in the area.

From its task force headquarters in Boxlaw in the centre of the estate, Blizzard will operate regular street patrols, forge links with the local community and businesses to gain intelligence and run a 24-hour answer phone service to allow residents to report any criminal activity in confidence.

Councillor Malcolm Graham, Gateshead Council's cabinet member for community safety, said: "This specially-trained team will provide a very visual deterrent to criminals."

Residents of Wrekenton, Springwell, Beacon Lough East, Low Fell, Birtley, Lamesley and Kibblesworth can find out more about Blizzard at three meetings in Wrekenton Community Centre, on Monday, January 27; at Mary Saunders Hall, on Wednesday, January 29; and at Malton Green Village Hall, on Thursday, January 30.

For more details, contact 0191-433 5566.