Councillors support calls for more bobbies on the beat in Gloucester

Councillors have backed a call from the Liberal Democrats for more police officers on the beat in Gloucester.

A motion proposed by the Liberal Democrats at city council last week was amended by councillors and adopted.

Over the last decade the Thin Blue Line has been getting even thinner.

Crime is rising, Gloucestershire Police has had to make budget savings of £32 million and the force has nearly 300 fewer officers than a decade ago.

Police community support officers (PCSOs) have also been cut by 34% since 2009.

Councillor Jeremy Hilton, who proposed the motion, said: "It is clear the Conservative Government's austerity has hit policing in Gloucestershire with crime rising and our streets less safe as a result.

"People in Gloucester want to see more police on the streets and in our communities. There is more anti-social behaviour on our streets that is going unchallenged by police officers.

"Violent crime has risen by 16% in the last year and overall crime is up 2% in the county.

"The Tory Government is also shifting the burden of funding Gloucestershire Police to local residents with rising Council Tax bills expected to fill the gap."

There are just nine dedicated neighbourhood PCs serving all of Gloucester's communities. They are supported by three sergeants and 20 PCSOs.

Councillor Declan Wilson, who seconded the motion, added: "Neighbourhood policing is in crisis in Gloucester. There are fewer police on our streets and crime is rising.

"The police are expected to do even more with less and local policing suffers.

"The Tory Government has to stop the cuts and expecting local residents to pick up the tab."