Sedgefield borough will be one of the first areas in County Durham to benefit from a new crime-fighting radio system.
Plans for masts to be used as part of the initiative will be discussed by Sedgefield Borough Council's development control committee tomorrow.
Durham Constabulary is replacing its analogue radio network with a digital system.
The £2.26m system, called Airwave, will eventually require 52 radio masts throughout the force area. It will give officers using handsets almost 100 per cent coverage of the county; provide links with other forces; enable officers to send text messages; and will ultimately be used to tap into the police force's crime intelligence network.
BT Airwave has applied for planning permission for three antennae to be built on an existing mobile phone tower at Rye Close Farm, Newton Aycliffe. Another application has been submitted for a 20m mast, two antennae, dish and other related equipment at a farm, in Gypsy Lane, Ferryhill. The masts would also provide coverage for the Spennymoor and Sedgefield areas.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article