DURHAM’S Police and Crime Commissioner is setting up an office in Darlington.

Joy Allen, who was elected to the role in May, will have a permanent base in Darlington town hall from the end of the summer.

It is hoped it will be set up in August and she will spend at least one day a week in the town.

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The Police and Crime Commissioner covers the Durham Police force area, which includes County Durham and Darlington.

The office is based in Durham, at Durham Police’s headquarters in Aykley Heads.

Councillor Heather Scott, the leader of Darlington Borough Council, revealed the news during a meeting on Tuesday.

The council called the public meeting, which was attended by representatives of Durham Police, to discuss response times to the 101 number – which is seeing high levels of demand.

Cllr Scott said: “Joy does want to be in Darlington at least one day a week and that office could also be made available to other members of staff.

“That is a really good issue for us.

“We often find its not mentioned that it is Darlington as well as Durham and Darlington is the one of the biggest urban conurbations in the area.”

Earlier in the meeting, Durham Police were asked whether the recorded message which plays when people call 101 could be amended to mention Darlington.

Ms Allen had been invited to attend the meeting but was unable to do so.

Sweety Sahani, from the PCC’s office, attended in her place.

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