Lib Dems invite the police and crime commissioner to address the city council on policing in Gloucester

City councillors are to debate a motion over concerns about anti-social behaviour and petty crime in Gloucester.

If approved, the council will invite the newly-elected police and crime commissioner for Gloucestershire, Chris Nelson, to address council on his plans to reduce anti-social behaviour in the city.

The motion, which has been proposed by the Liberal Democrats, asks council to agree that increasing the number of police officers and PCSOs patrolling in Gloucester to cut anti-social behaviour and reduce crime is an objective the council could support.

The Lib Dems are asking that a letter be sent to Gloucestershire's PCC, from the three group leaders inviting Mr Nelson to address council in open session on his plans to improve community policing in the city of Gloucester, allowing for a question-and-answer session from elected members following Mr Nelson's address to council.

Lib Dem group leader Jeremy Hilton, who proposed the motion, said: "Tackling anti-social behaviour across the city was a manifesto pledge of ours. It would mean the city council and the office of the police and crime commissioner working more closely together to reduce such incidences across the city.

"That's why we would like to invite Chris Nelson to address members of the council. To discuss his plans, especially how he intends to put more police on the beat and reduce anti-social-behaviour in half.

"Already I have met Chris Nelson two times since the election to discuss the problem of street drinkers and anti-social-behaviour on London Road in my ward. We now have an action plan which the police and council are working through."

Elmbridge Lib Dem Councillor Howard Hyman, who is seconding the motion, added: "This is an opportune time to bring this motion. Hate crime is on the increase. We have a high level of anti-social behaviour and burglaries.

"The police are stretched. Despite this, Gloucestershire Constabulary does a remarkable job.

"As the City Council, we share a responsibility to the citizens of Gloucester and we need to hear from the PCC on how his office is performing at a time of uncertainty and change."

The motion, which will be debated on September 23, says:

"This council notes the election on the 6th of May of Chris Nelson as Gloucestershire's new police and crime commissioner.

This council also notes that Chris Nelson pledged during the election to put more police officers, special constables and police and community support officers on patrol on the streets of Gloucestershire, with the aim of cutting anti-social behaviour in half.

This council agrees that increasing the number of police officers and PCSOs patrolling in Gloucester to cut anti-social behaviour and reduce crime is an objective this council can support.

Council, therefore agrees that a letter should be sent to Gloucestershire's PCC, from the three group leaders inviting Mr Nelson to address council in open session on his plans to improve community policing in the city of Gloucester, allowing for a question and answer session from elected members following Mr Nelson's address to council.

The details of the session to be agreed between the three group leaders and the PCC."

Proposed by Jeremy Hilton

Seconded by Howard Hyman