A blitz on problems affecting part of Darlington will take place this week.

The Park East ward, which includes Skerne Park, has been chosen for the first clean-up initiative by the Darlington Crime Reduction Partnership, and a host of different organisations will take to the streets on Thursday and Friday.

Yesterday, Sergeant Dave Kirton, of Darlington police, appealed for people in the ward to get in touch with Crimewatch if they had information about drugs or crime in the ward.

On Friday, the fire brigade will be doing chip pan fire demonstrations at 1pm and 3pm in the car park next to the Skerne Park pub.

The community safety and fire brigade caravans will also be on site to supply information.

The beat officer for the area, police community wardens and community support officers will be patrolling the streets.

There will also be talks on drugs at the primary school.

Anyone who can help the police with information on crime or drugs is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Callers can remain anonymous.