A countywide contact number will make it easier for people to report a range of neighbourhood issues, including littering, dog fouling and anti-social behaviour.
Durham County Council is introducing a single telephone number for its neighbourhood warden service across the whole county from Friday (August 1).
The number – 03000 261 000 – is already used by the majority of residents who wish to report problems such as littering, flytipping, dog fouling, stray dogs and anti-social behaviour.
Between August 1 and October 31, people ringing 03000 261 018 will hear a recorded message advising them that the number has changed to 03000 261 000 and that their call is being automatically diverted.
During the following three months, until 31 January 2015, anyone ringing 03000 261 018 will hear a recorded message advising them of the change of number and asking them to re-dial.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “A single telephone number for the whole of the county will make it easier for residents to get in touch and report environmental crimes and anti-social behaviour.
“Residents can be reassured that only the telephone number is changing – the service will continue to operate in exactly the same way as it does now.”
The neighbourhood warden service is provided seven days a week. Further information is available at www.durham.gov.uk/neighbourhoodwardens
Incidents that require urgent warden assistance should be reported to the police on 101 or by calling 999 if the situation is an emergency.