ARSON will be the main topic of discussion at three council meetings aimed at promoting community safety in Hartlepool.

Bob Scott, Cleveland Fire Brigade's district manager for Hartlepool, will be speaking on the issue when he attends the Police and Community Safety Consultative Forums covering the north, centre and south of the town.

He said: "Eighty per cent of all fires across the Cleveland area are deliberate.

"I want to make people more aware of how they can support us in our drive to reduce arson risks."

The first meeting, the North Area Police and Community Safety Consultative Forum, will be held tomorrow at 2pm in The Croft Room at the Borough Buildings on the Headland.

This will be followed by the Central Area Police and Community Safety Consultative Forum on Thursday, at 10am, in Committee Room B at the Civic Centre.

The South Area Police and Community Safety Consultative Forum will be held on Friday at 10am, in the communal area at Meadowfield Court in Elizabeth Way, Seaton Carew.

Each meeting will also include updates on a number of police and community safety issues and there will be a chance for members of the public to ask questions.