POLICE in a north Durham village are carrying out a consultation exercise to find out what aspects of Crime people want to see tackled most.

Officials in the Annfield Plain area have been asking hundreds of residents for their views on the issues of most concern for their local neighbourhood.

Operation WAYS, We Asked, You Said, has been launched after several residents and retailers contacted Durham County Council and the police about ongoing problems with anti-social behaviour.

Inspector Amanda Cathrine (CORR) of Stanley police, said: "Clearly, there were a number of concerns for the community in Annfield Plain.

"The meeting with residents prompted Operation WAYS which is a joint programme of action with the other statutory agencies involved in the Safe Durham Partnership."

Every house and retail premises in the identified area has been visited and surveyed individually by a police member of staff.

Around 200 surveys have been carried out with a wide range of subjects coming up, ranging from anti-social behaviour to speeding vehicles, fly-tipping and dog fouling.

Operation WAYS is being carried out in three stages.

The survey, through which concerns are identified, is only the first stage.

The second sees the partnership agreeing to take the necessary action before the third and final part, which involves getting back to the community and letting them know how those problems have been dealt with and what action has been taken.

Insp Cathrine added: "During the survey we’ve taken the opportunity to offer and carry out free security surveys of business and residential premises.

"We’ve also spoken to a number of people hoping to start a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or become a police volunteer.

"Along with our partners we will tackle the issues which matter most to local people. We also promise to look into every potential problem raised through the survey and update the community on our progress."

Anyone wanting to report criminal or anti-social behaviour, in whatever form is encouraged to report it to the police.

The police’s non emergency number is 0345-60-60-365 or people can call Crimestoppers, an independent charity which operates a freephone number for people to pass on their information in complete anonymity, 0800-555-111.