PEOPLE have a chance to direct crime-fighting operations.

Residents in North Ormesby, Middlesbrough, can have their say when if they meet representatives of the Safer Middlesbrough Partnership next week at the start of an operation in which agencies will work together to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.

The session will be held at North Ormesby Youth and Community Centre, on Monday, starting at 10am.

Rachel Beard, communities co-ordinator for the partnership, said: "This is a real opportunity for residents to highlight problems that matter to them locally, to influence service provision and to really have a say in the work that goes on during Operation Clean Sweep."

Police patrols are being stepped up in the area, with additional officers on the streets of North Ormesby for the duration of the campaign.

The partnership is co-ordinating four weeks of action across the borough this summer. It focused on crime-hit Hemlington before moving on to Gresham and now it will be North Ormesby's turn, next week.

Pupils at North Ormesby Primary School got involved by designing poster.

Headteacher Chris Kemp-Hall said: "By being involved in this campaign, the pupils have been able to learn about agencies that help make their area safer. It raises awareness for them, as well as for the adults in the community. We were pleased to be asked to participate."

David Francis, neighbourhood manager for North Ormesby, said: "North Ormesby is a continuously improving area. We hope that residents will take pride in their community and work with the council and other agencies to help them to identify the minority of people who are spoiling it for others. Operation Clean Sweep is an excellent opportunity for them to do this."