POLICE have hailed a “day of action” tackling anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, littering, rough sleeping and parking problems as a success.

Police officers and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) from the Durham City Neighbourhood team were joined by Durham County Council street wardens, NSL parking attendants and others for the day-long effort centred around Durham’s North Road today (Thursday, July 30).

The initiative was undertaken following complaints from residents and shop keepers to try to counter the feeling the area gets overlooked as the poor relation of the city centre.

Acting Inspector Kay Howarth said: “The residents, retailers and people here are just as important as those in the Market Place.

“This area should be thriving. It’s a gateway into the city, with the bus and railway station, but sometimes it gets ignored and can come across as a bit scruffy and rundown.

“Today is about talking to people and encouraging them to stay in the area and look around.”

The day of action began with an early morning “sweep” of the area for rough sleepers, Tenter Terrace off North Road having become a homeless hotspot in recent weeks.

Those found in such sweeps, today’s (Thursday, July 30) being the third in the last six weeks, are offered housing support and advice, or food and a hot shower.

Police also spoke to shopkeepers following a recent increase in shoplifting, urging them to use CCTV and other measures to combat the problem.

A/Insp Howarth said a few “usual suspects” stealing to feed addictions were often to blame, although many people were also stealing milk, bread and basic foodstuffs.

She said anti-social behaviour around the bus station had improved since a number of Asbos were imposed and several problematic beggars had been arrested recently.

Action was also taken to clean up the area, stop motorists blocking bus lanes and illegally using disabled bays and cabbies using the taxi rank before it comes into force at 10am.

A/Insp Howarth said: “We’ve been very well received. We’ve spoken to people about some of the issues around North Road and taken some reports.

“It’s nice for people to see us. Once we tell them why we’re here, they say it’s really positive. Even though we’re going through cuts, people trust us.”

Some residents joined the walkabout, a Police and Communities Together (Pact) meeting will be held at North Road Methodist Church on Monday (August 3) at 7.45pm and the police plan to repeat the day of action in future.