A SERVICE for victims of crime has moved to new premises to make it more accessible to the public.

After ten years at Durham's Dragonville Industrial Estate, the city's Victim Support branch has moved to an office above the library in Millennium Place.

It now pays reduced rent to occupy a space set aside for charities and voluntary groups, with two similar organisations due to join it soon.

The move follows a shake-up earlier this year, in which a base was opened in Court Lane, Durham, to take administration away from County Durham and Darlington's 12 local branches.

In May, the group launched a volunteer recruitment campaign to help it cater for about 16,000 crime victims a year.

Durham and Darlington area manager Trudi Ranson said: "The new organisation is looking to improve everything for victims and access is one of our main priorities. Being in the city centre is excellent, and the building itself is lovely, with disabled access."

Ms Ranson said the reorganisation and recruitment campaign had been successful, but more volunteers were still needed.

Crime victims can call at the office at 7 Millennium Place from 9am to 4pm weekdays, or ring 0191-383 1515.