A POLICE community action team has been set up to reassure residents by tackling crime and disorder in the Bensham and Saltwell areas of Gateshead.

The team, comprising a sergeant and four PCs, and based at Millennium House, in Coatworth Road, began work yesterday.

Team leader Sergeant Neil Whitehead said: "We will be operating from within the community and will provide a highly-visible presence in the area, tackling crimes and problems of concern to people, targeting criminals and linking in with the residents.

"There has never been a team like this in Bensham and Saltwell, and we will be answering the questions that members of the public ask of us.

"We want to know what their concerns are, how we can help them and how they can help us."

Area commander Superintendent Chris Symonds said: "This is a very good initiative which takes forward the policing of the area.

"I am confident the team will have a positive impact on crime and disorder in Bensham and Saltwell."

Also based at Millennium House will be community wardens, established later this year, neighbourhood housing and youth workers