From today, neighbours in Downhill will be helping crack down on bad behaviour with the launch of the Not In My Neighbourhood Week.

A week of activities will highlight the work carried out by organisations such as Sunderland City Council and the police to tackle the problems of underage drinking and graffiti.

The campaign also gives residents the chance to get involved in identifying areas of concern and helping to do something about them.

Senior police officers and councillors launched the campaign today at the Bunny Hill Customer Services Centre where they led an estate walkabout to meet and greet residents and find out about their concerns.

There will be another walkabout from the centre on Thursday from 4pm to 6pm.
The police media van will also be on hand at Bunny Hill to hand out safety messages to residents.

Coun Richie Bell, chairman of the Sunderland North Area committee and Redhill ward councillor, said: "We hope this week will help remind people of what work is already being done in our city to ensure people feel safe and secure, but also give them the opportunity to become involved by voicing their concerns and helping us with their ideas.

"The community is a vital component of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, and the events and activities during the Not in My Neighbourhood campaign will help promote public consultation and participation as part of that on-going process.

"Leaflets have been sent to every household in the area, and we would encourage everyone to get involved."

Other events during the week include daily police community surgeries at the Bunny Hill Centre, estate walkabouts, daily neighbourhood patrols, litter picks and neighbourhood clean-ups to spruce up the area.

Inspector Lisa Musgrove, of Sunderland Area Command, said: "This week is an opportunity to highlight the work being done year-round to address issues, such as antisocial behaviour, which can have a direct effect on the communities we serve.

"We will continue to work closely with people living across Sunderland, identifying problems and working with our partners to deliver lasting solutions."

The Echo will be highlighting different aspects of the campaign throughout this week.

Homes in East Durham also targeted

Horden and Grants Houses in East Durham are being targeted by a campaign to help residents take advantage of services and make the villages better places to live.

Throughout the week they can speak to police community support officers and street wardens to raise concerns.

Easington Council's clean and green team will also be out tidying the area, and firefighters will be on hand to offer checks on homes.

The Week in Action event, being run by Easington Colliery and Horden Pathfinder until Friday, will also tie in with Not in My Neighbourhood Week, where police and other agencies will visit the area to work with residents and make their community safer.

The district council's BlitzBus will also be touring the villages to showcase the work of public sector, community and voluntary organisation.

It will visit Sunderland Road car park, Thorpe Road crossroads and Martime Crescent in Grants Houses.