MEETINGS are being held across County Durham this week to give ethnic and other minority groups the chance to shape future policing.

The Durham force has appointed a firm of consultants to find out how the group felt policing could be improved.

A postal survey, targeting members of more than 100 organisations, is under way and will be reinforced by the concerns and views aired at the 'police-free' meetings.

Researchers will also conduct street interviews in Chester-le-Street, Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Peterlee, Newton Aycliffe and Stanley.

As well as ethnic minorities, researchers will be seeking the views of groups including the disabled, homosexuals, drug users and travellers.

The survey, Excellence Through Fairness, was partly inspired by the McPherson Report into the investigation of the murder of black Londoner Stephen Lawrence.

Chief Constable George Hedges has said that the force needs to be sure it is treating 'everyone fairly' and that some minority groups may need a service specially tailored to their needs.

The first of the meetings will be held on Tuesday at Durham County Cricket Club, Riverside, Chester-le-Street, from 7.30 to 9.30pm.

The next day meetings are being held at Darlington Arts Centre, Vane Terrace, from 2.30 to 4.30pm and Bishop Auckland Town Hall, Market Place, between 7.30 and 9.30pm.

East Durham and Houghall Community College, Burnhope Way, Peterlee, will be the venue for the Easington meeting on Thursday between 2.30 and 4.30pm.

The Sedgefield meeting will be held on Thursday between 7.30 and 9.30pm at Cobblers Hall, Newton Aycliffe.

The last meeting, for Derwentside, will be at Stanley Civic Hall, Louisa Terrace, on Friday between 2.30 and 4.30pm