COUNCIL bosses in Chester-le-Street are using architecture and design in the fight against crime.

In the first phase of a seven-year blitz on crime, Chester-le-Street District Council has set up a £30,000 design scheme to use architecture to deter troublemakers.

They've targeted the Sanders Memorial Hall for the innovative improvements because it has suffered at the hands of vandals and drug-users in recent years.

The council this week unveiled anti-crime measures at the hall including:

l rebuilt entranceways to remove alcoves and deter drug-users

l increased perimeter security through better fencing and gates

l improved lighting

l opening up landscape and vistas by removing trees and shrubs

Other improvements include fitting better locks to the doors and windows as well as a state-of-the-art intruder alarm.

In the past, events such as coffee mornings, evening clubs, craft activities, weight groups and disabled groups have been disrupted because of gangs of unruly youths intimidating hall users or vandalising the building.

Council leader Coun Malcolm Pratt said: "The council is committed to tackling crime and disorder and addressing social exclusion. Improvements like this make the environment a safer and more pleasant place for the people of Chester West.

"This hall can now be used by the community as a whole."

The seven-year plan will continue in Chester West, Sacriston and Pelton Fell with the help of round five of the Government Single Regeneration Budget.

A spokesman for the council added: "Applying simple design techniques to new or existing buildings and areas can make significant reductions in crime. For example, removing recesses from the side of the door will deter people from loitering under the canopy and making the doorway feel unsafe and unthreatening.

"Not only can the layout of a site discourage crime, it can also help to reduce the fear of crime and that is equally important.