Police hit back after criticism from Ledbury at 'crisis point'

Ledbury Town Council were critical of West Mercia Police, with Coun Malcolm Hughes highlighting "appalling" clear-up rates for the town, which are the number of crimes which result in a charge.

Councillors also talked about the rates of antisocial behaviour in the town, road safety issues and the absence of a police presence – but at a full meeting, Coun Tony Bradford said the situation had reached crisis levels.

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Now, West Mercia Police's safer neighbourhood inspector for Herefordshire James Ashton said the force was committed to serving the community within Ledbury and working closely with local partners, including the town council, to take action on the issues which matter most.

“We’re working hard to deliver on our Local Policing Charter, which outlines our ongoing commitment to improving our local policing delivery and providing the level of service that the community expect," he said.

Herefordshire safer neighbourhood team inspector James Ashton

The town council also wanted police to attend more of its meetings, with James Ashton saying police do attend the meeting "to ensure police listen, understand and respond to community issues".

He said West Mercia Police had two dedicated safer neighbourhood officers for Ledbury, PC Sarah Ransome-Williams and PCSO Nick Ashby, after criticism that Ledbury's officers had been moved elsewhere.

Phillip Howells, the Mayor of Ledbury said that despite the legitimate concerns raised during a meeting he and Coun Hughes raised with West Mercia assistant police and crime commissioner, he said it was important to point out that the local police and the council have always worked very closely together.

“The relationship between our local safer neighbourhood team members and the council has always been excellent, being mutually supportive and cooperative," Coun Howells said.

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"We know the local police share our concerns and are as passionate as the council in maintaining Ledbury’s deserved reputation as a safe and welcoming place in which to live.

“We all know the police have resourcing issues of their own, but I also know we will continue to work well together to address the concerns of Ledbury residents.”

Ledbury was said to be reaching crisis point by one councillor. Picture: Rob Davies

Paul Middlebrough, assistant police and crime commissioner said the meeting with councillors was "very positive" and he was pleased a councillor had been appointed to act as a police liaison.

"I look forward to having regular meeting with the councillor to help make Ledbury a safe place and continue to be a great town to live in," he said.

West Mercia Police said anyone with specific concerns about issues in Ledbury is encouraged to get in touch with safer neighbourhood officers, using the contact details below, or alternatively report it via 101 or the force's website.

PC Sarah Ransome-Williams can be contacted on 07773048118 or sarah.ransome-williams@westmercia.police.uk, and PCSO Nick Ashby on 07817941145 or nick.ashby@westmercia.police.uk.