CRIME in West Mercia’s rural communities was the focus of police and crime commissioner latest public assurance and accountability session.

Sitting down with Chief Constable Richard Cooper, the commissioner, John Campion put the public’s questions directly to him that covered a range of topics including consistency of service as well as officer visibility.

The commissioner ensured the views of farmers, landowners, and residents across the region were captured before the meeting.

The experiences, views, and concerns gathered were aired during the meeting.

Mr Campion said: “This was an opportunity to amplify the voices of our rural communities who too often feel unheard.

“As their voice in policing, I ensured the concerns, views and experiences I have gathered over recent months, were put to the chief constable.

“Whilst we know the crimes that impact those communities are largely different to those we see in our towns and cities, their expectations on the service they receive is no different.

“That’s why it’s absolutely vital, through sessions like this one, that West Mercia Police steps up to those challenges by listening, acting and delivering on calls for change.”

Mr Campion also expressed his concerns that West Mercia Police will be impacted financially due to the level of funding being made available by the government.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the police’s core spending power will increase by 1.7 per cent from this year.

Mr Campion said: “Whilst more money is available, it’s simply not enough at a time when pressure on the police has never been greater as we balance inflation, pay rises, National Insurance contributions, and demand.

“With an outdated funding model that does not see West Mercia receive its fair share of Government funding, the bill will, once again, be left at the door of local communities who continue to pick up the cost of policing through council tax.”