A PARISH council is giving police officers a helping hand in the fight against youth crime and disorder.

Belmont Parish Council, on the outskirts of Durham, has given the area's beat bobbies two mountain bikes to get about quickly.

Councillors hope the high- profile patrols will give people reassurance and deter criminals and young troublemakers.

The parish council and Durham City Council have also provided accommodation at Broomside Court for its police officers.

The parish council is trying to find out what local youngsters hanging around on street corners would rather be doing.

Parish council chairman Peter Thompson said: "We enjoy an excellent relationship with the police authority and force and regularly exchange information at public meetings of the council.

"The new initiative shows that agencies working together can have a positive impact on problems in their area.''

The council is sponsoring a youth worker, who is talking to youngsters congregating at shopping precincts to find out what they would like to do.

Coun Thompson said: "We hope to find out what these youngsters want, and make it clear that disruptive behaviour cannot be tolerated.''

In the past, the parish council has helped teenagers by creating a BMX track.

Coun Thompson can be contacted on 0191-386 6366 or (0498) 816737