A PLEDGE was made yesterday to improve life in a former mining community.

A compact agreement which aims to tackle anti- social behaviour, under-age drinking and litter was signed by residents of Ushaw Moor, police and Durham City Council officials at the city's Town Hall.

It is believed to be the first such Compact agreement in the region designed specifically to tackle community safety.

The agreement is based on improving information and communication, through initiatives such as regular meetings between residents and beat officers, and improving relationships and building confidence by setting up neighbourhood watch schemes and getting community safety messages across.

The partnership also aims to improve understanding of issues, through means such as information sessions with police.

Secretary of Ushaw Moor Residents' Group Ethel Cummings said members of the group, which had pushed for the Compact, were mostly senior citizens who grew up in the mining community.

Speaking at yesterday's signing, she said: "We looked after each other and took responsibility for our own actions. At an early age we had to be self-sufficient. Today, we look at our village and are concerned about what we see.

"It's our children and grandchildren whose behaviour leaves much to be desired. It's the people who live in the village who turn a blind eye to what's happening around them."

But Inspector Dick Dodds, community inspector for the Durham area, said the Compact would involve some positive work with young people in the village.

"There will be provision to involve young people in the Compact. That's something we're looking at."