Councillors and police chiefs have met to raise concerns over crime in Burntwood.
The meeting was called after issues were raised regarding police cover in the area since the closure of the town’s police station.
Chief Inspector Mark Smith met with members of Burntwood Town Council to reassure them that changes in policing patterns did not mean the area was being ignored.
Cllr Di Evans, leader of the Labour opposition group on the council, said: “We are really grateful to Chief Inspector Smith and his team for coming to talk to town councillors as well as local residents.
“We had contacted the Police and Crime Commissioner because of the genuine concerns raised with us by local residents, fearful of rising levels of crime.
“In an ideal world, we would like to see our police funded far better and to see more police personnel on our streets. The reality is that, over the last 9 years, Staffordshire has lost 600 police officers.
“This coupled with increases in activities such as cyber-crime and people trafficking means resources are really stretched.
“However, Chief Inspector Smith and his team were able to give us real assurance that, in spite of the loss of our police station, Burntwood is not forgotten.”
A more regular meeting to raise issues and hear updates is now being planned between the police and members of the council.
Cllr Evans said: “We as councillors can help too and we want to work more closely with the police in the future.”
