THE number of street wardens in Derwentside is to double from six to 12.

Durham Constabulary, working with Derwentside District Council, has strengthened the service offered by its Police Community Safety Support Officers (PCSOs).

Ian Proud, community inspector for Stanley, said: "PCSOs will give an increased uniform presence on the streets to deal with nuisance and anti-social behaviour problems.

"This should improve the quality of life for those people living in Derwentside, particularly in areas where these kind of problems are prevalent."

Six PCSOs have been patrolling parts of the district since October.

Some of the most frequent problems they have encountered have been dog fouling, abandoned cars, fly-tipping and general anti-social behaviour.

The six new PCSOs, with one of the first group, met key council staff at an event held in Derwentside Business Centre, in Consett.

The meeting looked at increasing partnership working between the agencies.

Councillor Alex Watson, leader of the council, said: "The Police Community Support Officers are being well received by the public and are starting to have a positive impact on the fear of crime.

"The council is impressed with the high standard of working and feels sure that our combined efforts will make a good contribution to reducing low level crime and anti-social behaviour."