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Public meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour concerns

Public meeting to discuss anti-social behaviour concerns
15 July 2021

POLICE response times to reports of anti-social behaviour – such as off-road biking – will be on the agenda at a public meeting next week.

The meeting has been called after concerns over police response times were raised after vandals targeted the home of Councillor Kevin Nicholson.

Members of Darlington Borough Council will attend the meeting, which will be held in the Dolphin Centre sports hall at 6pm on Tuesday 20 July.

Representatives from Durham Police – including Chief Constable Jo Farrell, Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen and Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Green – have also been invited to join the discussion.

It is rare for the council to call a special meeting. The last time was in 2017, when concerns over healthcare services in Darlington were on the agenda.

Councillor Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, who will chair next week's meeting, said: “No one is questioning how hardworking our police officers are, both in Darlington and across the wider force area.

“However, we do feel there is a discussion to be had around the amount of time people – and of course this applies to everyone, not just councillors – are expected to wait for a suitable response when they use the non-emergency 101 service.

“I am looking forward to a friendly, productive discussion with colleagues from Durham Police and I hope people will come along, listen to what is being said and share their experiences and views in a constructive way.”

Chief Constable Jo Farrell, of Durham Police, said: “I would like to thank councillors for this welcome opportunity to discuss the demands facing policing and work together to find a constructive way forward to address these challenges.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting.

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