A NEIGHBOURHOOD police team is inviting residents to help identify local priorities and keep up to date with progress at a series of meetings.

Officers in Spennymoor and Ferryhill aim to engage with the public to improve the quality of life and reduce the fear of crime in the area.

The move is in line with the Government's programme of reform aimed at increasing public confidence that the police and other agencies are tackling crime and anti social behaviour.

Pledges made by Durham police include monthly Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings- to agree local priorities and give updates on progress, issues and priorities.

The following PACT meetings have been arranged: *Spennymoor town ward at Spennymoor Leisure Centre on Wednesday January 28, 6.30pm;

*Low Spennymoor and Tudhoe Grange ward, at Spennymoor Youth and Community Centre, Rushmoor, on Wednesday January 28, 6pm;

*Tudhoe ward at Tudhoe Community Centre on Monday February 2, 6.30pm;

*Middlestone ward including Kirk Merrington and Byers Green at Middlestone Moor Community Centre, Albion Street, on Saturday February 7, 1pm.