PEOPLE in Durham and Chester-le-Street have a chance to air their views on any police-related issues at two open meetings next week.

The sessions have been organised as part of the Durham county force's Best Value process.

Each forum will give the public the chance to have their say on whether there are enough bobbies on the beat in certain areas, and where people would like to see greater police deployment.

Chief Inspector Jamie McAloon, operations manager of the Durham and Chester-le-Street police division, said: "We really want people to challenge how we do things, and if they feel we are not getting things right, then to tell us.

"The meetings are there for the people to come and make a positive contribution. But we won't be able to debate particular incidents, or offer quick fixes on the night.

"They are more about planning for the future and for people to raise issues we can take away and consider."

The first meeting is at the city police office in New Elvet, Durham, next Wednesday, followed on Thursday at the Civic Centre, in Newcastle Road, Chester-le-Street, both starting at 6pm.

Refreshments will be available, and each meeting is expected to last about two hours