VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help save police time by solving neighbourhood disputes.

The Restorative Hub is looking for 25 volunteers across County Durham and Darlington to help mediate disputes which tie down officers.

Ron Hogg, Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner said: “Officers can sometimes spend the vast majority of their shift responding to low-level neighbourhood disputes, conflict and similar issues, which diverts them from their primary duty to protect neighbourhoods and catch criminals”.

Volunteers will be fully trained in negotiation, arbitration and problem-solving and must be able to dedicate at least three hours each week.

Applications are invited from across the force area and training will take place in June, either through an intensive week-long course or on five consecutive Saturdays.

Further details and an application form are available from volunteer@restorativehub.org.uk or 0300 003 1818.

The closing date for applications is Friday, May 26.