A CAMPAIGN to crack down on troublemakers in a north Durham village was launched yesterday.

Durham Constabulary's Streetsafe initiative in Sacriston will combine the forces of several agencies to target anti-social behaviour, drug dealers, low-level crime and vandalism .

Chester-le-Street community inspector Paul Anderson said officers had held a series of meetings with the residents to identify the problems that most affected their lives.

He said: "After consulting with other agencies about the support they could give we devised a plan of action which will be rolled out over the coming weeks."

The fire and rescue service, Chester-le-Street District Council, Durham County Council, the DVLA, the Youth Engagement Service and schools will join the police in implementing measures and organising community activities and events over the next three months.

Sacriston beat officer Ellis Hall said: "Police officers will be taking part in a number of operations, patrols and crime prevention events."

The other agencies will be involved in a range of actions including teaching about drugs awareness and anti-social behaviour, advising on home security and fire safety, improving street lighting and carrying out truancy sweeps.

Inspector Anderson said: "There will be something happening each day throughout the project.

"We hope that by working with residents they will feel safer and take responsibility for their community."

Ian Broughton, the district council's community services director, said: "This forms part of our urban renaissance plan for Sacriston.

"The district council is investing £100,000 in upgrading Front Street, while the county council is setting aside a further £45,000 for new street lighting.

"The district council will also be making a property available for use as a community house."

Durham fire station manager Peter Hewitson said: "We have had problems with children on one estate setting light to abandoned cars.

"Vehicles with no registered owner will be taken away and we will also be holding days where children will help collect rubbish on the estates."

Councillor Anne Wright, the chairwoman of Durham Police Authority and resident of Sacriston, said: "We are delighted that Sacriston has got Streetsafe in the village.

"At least our problems have been acknowledged and we have all agencies working together to make the village a safer and better place in the long term."