PEOPLE in Stanley are being encouraged to attend informal police surgeries to report problems.

The idea from the Green Corridor Neighbourhood Partnership and Durham Constabulary is to improve community relations between officers and members of the public.

Residents will be able to enjoy a cup of tea and a chat about concerns or local crime issues within comfortable, community-based surroundings in total confidence.

Acting Sergeant Mick Burns, scheme co-ordinator, said: "We want people to attend and tell us what the problems are so we can do something about it.

"If people do not tell us, then we cannot solve them. They do not have to give us their details and can do it anonymously.

"The main problem at the minute seems to be with youth nuisance and under-age drinking.

"We need to know who these young people are and where they are getting the alcohol from.

"We want to improve the quality of life for our residents, but we need them to help us help them."

Paul Marshall, neighbourhood manager for the Green Corridor Partnership, said: "The presence of the police at our offices is welcomed.

"It will provide residents and officers the chance to meet each other and also provide a more comfortable and easily accessible route to raising any issues or concerns."

The hour-long surgeries will take place at:

* Quaking Houses Community Centre on Second Street on the last Friday of the month from 10am;

* South Moor Methodist Chapel on Park Road on the last Friday of the month from 2.30pm;

* Acton Dene Community House on the Acton Dene Estate every second Wednesday from 10am;

l Branwa community house, in Keir Hardie Avenue, on the second Tuesday of the month from 10am;

* The GC Surgery in Craghead every second Tuesday from 10am;

* Burnside Resource Centre on Mendip Terrace on the first Wednesday of the month from 1.30pm.