RESIDENTS worried about crime and disorder will be able to take their problems to police and housing officials under a new scheme.

Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council are launching a new service as an experiment in the Washington area.

People in Concord and neighbouring areas will be able to have confidential meetings with police and council housing officers to raise any problems or concerns.

Sergeant Michael Smith said the scheme would strengthen the close cooperation between police and housing officials in fighting crime.

"We are already doing a great deal of work to tackle problems of this kind right across Washington and this service will be an extension of those efforts.

"Although the latest scheme is being carried out in partnership with the local housing office we want to emphasise that it is open to all residents and not just council tenants.

"However, it will mean that people who are involved in criminal or anti-social behaviour will risk losing their council tenancies if they persist in this kind of activity."