FRESH fears over the scrapping of a police unit which patrols rural areas have been raised.

Parish councillors in Hurworth, near Darlington, have told of their dismay at Durham Police's decision to disband its beat support unit.

The unit was established five years ago and was first known as the rural support unit.

Its seven officers supported local bobbies and ensured a constant and visible police presence in rural areas.

However, the force is closing the unit and moving officers to other roles, in the wake of an operational review.

The decision has angered members of Hurworth Parish Council, who made their feelings known at a meeting this week.

Councillor Peter Foster said the village would miss the mobile police station, which had regularly been sited on the green.

He said: "They used to send out policemen on patrol around the village, but it seems there have been so many cutbacks lately.

"It doesn't help the rural people at all. All the villages will lose this and there's nothing to replace it."

Coun Foster said police support was needed at present to deal with problems of youths causing trouble at the Grange Community Centre.

He said the parish council should complain to Durham Chief Constable Paul Garvin about the loss of the unit.

Councillor Ian Black said: "We placed great faith in the rural beat team - they seemed to get to know what was going on in the village.

"They weren't just officers from the town who drove through. Now we're back to square one."

PC Boyd Rowe, who is responsible for the village, said community wardens had started to patrol Hurworth more frequently in recent weeks.

He said: "They have started coming out here to the Grange and the intention is that they will be sent here a lot more and to also to Middleton St George.

"I totally understand the situation in the villages.

"I spend a lot of time pointing out to my bosses that the resources are needed in rural areas."