AN INDEPENDENT survey has confirmed that most people are happy with the police response to 999 calls.

Researchers found that 88 per cent of callers from the Durham Constabulary force area were satisfied with the time taken to respond to emergency calls - an increase of six per cent on the previous year.

The force sets a target of responding to all emergency calls inside ten minutes. Chief Constable Paul Garvin said: "The hard work of police officers and police staff during a time of major change has been absolutely outstanding.

"Their commitment and dedication is clearly reflected in the results of the public satisfaction survey." Swift Research Ltd, of Wetherby, surveyed 2,000 people from the force area"