VILLAGERS are to be given the chance to have a say about policing in their community.

A series of surgeries are being organised by Easington Colliery's local beat officer to give people a chance to air their concerns.

The first will take place on Thursday, between 1pm and 3pm, at the Officials Club, in Browning Street.

"There have been some persistent problems with anti- social behaviour in the east areas and I hope local people will take this opportunity to express any concerns or pass on information they have in relation to this,'' said PC Malcolm Pugh, beat officer for Easington Colliery and Easington Village.

A representative of property owners Access Homes (formerly Bradford and Northern) will also attend.

On Friday there will be a further surgery, between 10am and noon, at the Easington Colliery Parish Hall, in Crawlaw Road.

As well as PC Pugh, the surgery will also be visited by John Malcolm and Julie Bower of Easington District Council's anti-social behaviour unit.

"People can come along and talk about any policing matters, whether they relate to drug problems, anti-social behaviour or crime,'' said PC Pugh, who has circulated 250 leaflets to households in the neighbourhood encouraging people to contact him.