DURHAM’S new neighbourhood inspector has appealed to the public to help his team keep the city one of the safest in the country.

Dave Coxon wants more people to volunteer to help the police with tasks such as paperwork, administration and community speedwatch, to free up officers for more frontline work.

“The community is at the heart of what we do. They come to us for help and advice. It’s right to have the community involved,” he said.

Insp Coxon rejected any suggestion that represented policing on the cheap, saying: “We’re looking at educating communities, so what better way than to have them involved.

“Where we need to do enforcement, there will still be officers available. This is on top of what we already do, rather than filling in. It adds value.”

Insp Coxon became Durham City neighbourhood inspector last month, succeeding Paul Anderson, who retired after nearly 30 years with the force.

The 44-year-old, who lives with his family in Durham and runs with Durham City Harriers, said he was delighted to be appointed.

“I’ve been really pushing to get the job ever since I discovered Paul was retiring.

“Being a local resident, it’s an area I’m passionate about.

“I want Durham to continue to be one of the safest places to live in the country.”

Insp Coxon, who leads a team of 47 police officers, police and community support officers and special constables, said his priorities would include tackling anti-social behaviour and problems around the city’s night-time economy.

From Friday (December 5), part of Claypath will be closed to traffic on weekend nights in a bid to tackle congestion, noise and disruption.

Insp Coxon said extra officers would be on patrol for the next couple of weeks and he would monitor the impact of the change.

Earlier this week, police arrested two students and seized music equipment from a notorious party house on Neville Street.

Insp Coxon said students would be treated the same way as permanent residents.

“When we’re first notified of any anti-social behaviour incidents, we’ll go and talk to people about the impact on the local community.

“But if that doesn’t work we will take action and Neville Street is a prime example of that.”

Insp Coxon joined Durham Police in 1994. He spent three years as a firearms officer protecting Prime Minister Tony Blair, has served in Durham City and Framwellgate Moor and was most recently neighbourhood inspector in Peterlee.

To volunteer to help the police, call the non-emergency number 101 or email: customerservicedesk@durham.pnn.police.uk