DURHAM Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg says he plans to sit down with council chiefs to discuss proposals which will see the authority’s contribution to community safety reduced to the statutory minimum.

Two jobs will go with a budget saving of £101,751 a year. Darlington Borough Council works with Durham Police and the PCC’s office to create a community safety strategy and currently co-ordinates meetings between the three organisations.

In another cost cutting move, the Sanctuary Target Hardening Service, a non-statutory function which allows domestic violence victims to remain in their own homes, will be cancelled, saving £17,500 a year.

A spokesman for Mr Hogg said: “He feels that this is unfortunate, but perhaps necessary in the sense that budget cuts have been forced upon the council.

“But he wants to work with the council to see collectively what can be done to offset the impact of these changes.”