CHURCH groups and residents' associations will be among 700 organisations involved in determining the region's crime-fighting priorities over the next three years.

Key public, private and voluntary sector organisations will take part in the consultation to decide Spelthorne's new three-year Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy, due to start in April next year.

Businesses, churches, the health authority, probation and social services are being asked to offer their views on how Spelthorne Borough Council, police and partner organisations from the Spelthorne Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy Board can protect residents and workers against crime and which crimes and areas should be priority targets.

The board has already consulted Spelthorne's business forum, student council and its five area forums to create its Audit of Crime and Fear of Crime Survey and the results and draft priorities will be presented to contributors for feedback by December 7.

Encouraging organisations to take part in the consultation, Cllr John Packman, Spelthorne Council's deputy leader and head of crime and disorder, said: "We want to ensure that everybody who has an interest in the future of Spelthorne has the opportunity to let us know what they think our priorities should be."

By.Abi Dornan