YEOVIL NEWS: There’ll always be a police presence in the town, says top cop

POLICE speed checks and 101 phone delays were just some of the concerns the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner was given by local people on a visit to Yeovil.

The concerns were raised during a public forum at the Westland Leisure Complex in Yeovil where questions were pose to PCC Sue Mountstevens and Somerset’s new area commander Chief Superintendent Ian Wylie last Thursday (September 17, 2015).

Questions ranged from how does the police make decisions on where to hold speed checks to questions about the future of Yeovil police station.

Chief Superintendent Ian Wylie reassured residents that there would always be a police presence in the town and it was his view that police custody cells should remain in the east of the patch however “there will be difficult funding decisions over the coming months,” he said.

PHOTO - TOP: Police and Crime Commissioner, Sue Mountstevens.

Ms Mountstevens also told residents about the funding pressures the police face. She explained that potential changes to way money to police forces is allocated could see Avon and Somerset lose £15 million a year and the next comprehensive spending in November, would mean cuts of £25-£40 million in addition to the £58 million the police has already saved.

She said: “This would simply mean fewer police officers in Avon and Somerset to keep people safe.”

Speaking after the public forum Sue Mountstevens said: “It’s important for me and the police to hear the concerns of residents.

“It’s your police service and only by listening to local people can I make sure it’s responding to communities’ needs.

“The questions from residents were varied and many are concerns about the impact of further cuts to their police service and praised their local officers for being there when they need them.

“It’s important that the police and I listen to the good and the bad and when the service hasn’t been what people expect the police look to put it right.”

The meeting at Westlands Leisure Centre was the first PCC public forum in the town and the second in South Somerset, with the first being last year in Chard.

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