THE challenges faced by local police in the Forest of Dean have been discussed at a special meeting.

Forest of Dean district councillor Richard Leppington (UKIP, Blakeney and Bream) expressed his concerns over the recent spate of thefts in local towns and the area’s more isolated communities to Martin Surl, the Police and Crime Commissioner and his deputy Chris Brierley.

Also discussed was the problem of speeding in the district’s villages and the level of visible police cover in the Forest.

Whilst fully appreciating the severe financial constraints under which Gloucestershire Constabulary has been placed by the current Government, Cllr Leppington was keen to ensure that the commissioner was made fully aware of the unease felt by residents throughout the Forest.

Cllr Leppington said: “One of the biggest issues of which I am made aware is the perceived low level of police cover in the area. Of course the ideal would be to have a bobby on the beat in every community in the Forest, but we are realistic enough to recognise that, especially under the programme of cuts instigated by the current government, this is simply just not going to happen.

“However it is important that people feel safe in their own homes, and when going about their lawful daily business.

“I will be calling for a fairer funding formula for local policing, as well as fully endorsing and supporting Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl’s neighbourhood policing policy.”