RESIDENTS in north Durham are being encouraged to make suggestions to their local beat bobby to tackle crime in rural areas.

Police post boxes are being put up in Derwentside so people can post comments to local officers.

The boxes are white and rectangular and display the theme of Durham Constabulary's Street Safe initiative: Fighting the Fear of Crime.

PC Norman Foster said one has been put up in Lanchester and two will go up in Burnhope and Langley Park next week.

He said: "The idea behind them is to encourage people to take an active part in the community.

"We want to know about the issues that affect people's quality of life.

"We want to build relationships with residents in the village and this means people can contact their local officers when they are not on duty and pass on their concerns. They can leave a contact number or be anonymous if they prefer."

The boxes will be emptied weekly and beat officers will address the suggestions that people make.

The scheme will eventually be introduced across the district.