Durham Constabulary has taken part in an event to examine
the opportunities and challenges created by a growing university.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Orford was one of the guests
at the “University And City: Growing Together” event held at the Radisson Blu
Hotel, in Durham on Thursday evening.
Around 250 residents, business leaders, staff and students
took part in group discussions arising out of Durham University’s 2017-2027
strategy.
Ahead of the discussion, Mr Orford gave a presentation on
the police perspective, while Durham University Vice-Chancellor Stuart
Corbridge and Durham County Council’s Corporate Director of Regeneration and
Local Services also addressed the event.
A speech was read on behalf of Dr Roberta
Blackman-Woods, City of Durham MP, who was unable to attend due to family
circumstances.
Mr Orford said: “As a force rooted in its
community, we welcome increased engagement with the University.
“We look
forward to expressing our opinions and listening to those of others on what the
University wants to do to improve the City for everyone.”
In advance of the event, the University announced a
number of initiatives including match-funding with Durham Constabulary, a
uniformed police presence in term time.