Neighbourhood Wardens are working to improve the quality of life for residents by reducing the level of anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime. They tackle environmental problems to improve the local environment and promote community involvement and social inclusion, especially among young people. They also deal with stray dogs and enforce legislation around dog ownership.

The wardens work closely with the Police, Fire service, other enforcement agencies and other council service providers to deal with issues of concern to residents.

Wardens carry out regular patrols and deal with any issues they encounter or which are reported to them. They can be contacted on 03000 261 000. Neighbourhood wardens work Monday to Thursday 9am to 8pm, Friday 11am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 4.45pm to 10pm.

You can apply for Housing and Council Tax benefit in either of the following ways:

• Complete an on line application form on Benefits section of the Durham County Council website
• Contact the Benefits Service on 03000 262 000
• Contact the Council Tax Service on 03000 264 000

If there is a problem with dog fouling in your area or you see someone failing to clean up their dog’s mess, let us know, giving as much information as possible, such as:

• Date and time
• Location
• Description of the dog
• Dog owner and if possible their address

This information will be passed to the Neighbourhood Wardens to make enquiries and take the necessary action against the offender. All reports are dealt with in confidence.

If a pavement or verge is badly fouled, the problem can be reported to Durham County Council who can arrange for the mess to be cleaned up and/or arrange for an officer to patrol the area in an effort to catch the offenders.

You can report dog fouling to Streetscene on 03000 261 000 or email help@durham.gov.uk

Please encourage your family and friends to be responsible, it will help us keep County Durham clean.