FARMERS around Darlington are being urged to join a revived Farmwatch aimed at driving out criminals, poachers and vandals.

The scheme is in the early stages of setting up an elected committee and constitution, but already has the full backing of the police. A newsletter is also being organised.

Brian Pavey, an unpaid co-ordinator and local gamekeeper, told the D&S Times: "We are aiming to have a scheme similar to the successful one in Teesdale. We already have a telephone warning alert set up with some of the farmers."

The National Canine Defence League's Sadberge kennels have also joined Farmwatch following break-ins at its office.

Sgt Ian Martin, of Darlington's community safety unit, told Tuesday's meeting that there were similarities to Darlington's Crimenet and Pubwatch in that farmers wanted to be able to identify active criminals in the rural community.

Police would be able to provide information bulletins, but he added: " To do that we are dependent on the eyes and ears of the rural community. You have to continue to report to us, otherwise we will never win the battle to combat rural crime. We will do our best to get out there as quickly as we can."

One farmer complained that he twice allowed police to use his land for covert operations but, despite requests, he never learned anything about the outcome.

"We might say no a third time. For the sake of one telephone call you could save a lot of bad feeling. After all, the bad lads know I have let you on my land."

Sgt Martin said a new system was being introduced where police would give people at least some idea of whether there had been a successful conclusion or not.

Mr Pavey stressed the need to raise funds to back the initiative and it was agreed to invite PC Ian Clelland, crime prevention officer, to a future meeting to outline how to bid for cash and also some of precautionary measures farmers could adopt.

The next meeting will be at the St George Hotel, Teesside Airport, at 7pm on August 26, but further information is available from Jane Wood, of Darlington community safety department, on 01325 346832.