RESIDENTS are being invited to have their say about policing at a meeting next week.

A community neighbourhood forum will take place next Thursday, from 6pm to 9pm in the YMCA, at the rear of the police office, in Parliament Street, Consett.

Acting Inspector Ian Robson, of the community policing unit, said the meeting for the people of Consett north, south and east wards, Delves Lane and Castleside will be the first to take place, but the intention is to hold one every couple of months.

He said: "The aim is to give Consett residents the opportunity to express their views and concerns about policing issues that affect them.

"They will have the chance to meet both beat and police community support officers so they get to know their faces and, hopefully, will be comfortable chatting to them."

In the coming weeks, people from other areas of Consett and surrounding communities will have the chance to air their concerns at a variety of venues.

Residents unable to attend the meeting, but who have something to say, can make contact with the community beat unit by ringing the police non-emergency number 0845 6060 365 and asking for extension 664 2445.