Groups of people gathering to drink alcohol on benches in the town centre, inconsiderate parking and damage to social housing were discussed at the recent Town Meeting. Inspector James Ashton spoke to local residents at the annual meeting, which is open to all residents, and took place at the Larruperz Centre on Monday, April 30th.

Inspector Ashton is in charge of rural policing in Herefordshire, he is a Herefordian and has lived in Ross, so he said that he knows the town well.

He said that he is aware that there are a few issues and problems ‘which will bubble up from time to time’, but, Ross still has policing 24/7 and a full team. He said the SNT has one police officer and three PCSOs, who operate from Ross Police Station.

He said that they regularly patrol potential anti-social behaviour hotspots and he is delighted that powers to deal with drinking in public spaces have been given back to the police from Tuesday, May 1st.

Joyce Thomas asked if the police were going to do anything about the ‘undesirables’ who sit on the seat outside Peacocks in Ross town centre.

Insp Ashton said that their hands had been tied but from May 1st they have the necessary power. He suggested that relocating the seat would be something to consider.

Councillor Phil Cutter asked for more regular patrols. He said most people want them (the undesirables) moved away.

Insp Ashton said the police have to consider if people are just gathering to have a natter or seeking shelter.

Retired police officer Rob Mason said that when he was an officer in Ross there had been up to 35 officers on duty in Ross. He said he respected the police but they are direly under-resourced. He said four officers have not got a hope of dealing with all the issues in the town, including inconsiderate parking.

Insp Ashton added that all public services would like more resources but Ross is doing well.

Anne Gray asked if the police were dealing with residents of new social housing who were openly dealing drugs and damaging their properties. She said that elderly neighbours were very concerned and did not think the police were dealing with the matter.

PCSO Lisa Austin said that she was very aware of this and asked residents to keep reporting any incidents. She said: “The more information we have, car numbers, times etc the more evidence we can take to the magistrates to obtain a warrant. We have to have enough evidence.”

She asked Mrs Gray to reassure residents that although they might feel they are giving information and it is not being acted on, it will be building up to enable the police to act.

See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now