A COMMUNITY leader has voiced concern at perceived 'cuts' in police cover in his council’s area.

Acton has lost a constable to Caia Park, shares coverage with Rhosddu and Garden Village and has now had the number of dedicated PCSOs assigned to the area reduced.

Cllr Kevin Roberts chairman of Acton Community Council said that last month they had agreed with the coverage – but it has changed quickly and said he was very unhappy with the situation and asked when police coverage would be improved.

County Cllr Geoff Lowe said that there is a danger of resident losing confidence in the police and the police losing valuable information from the residents.

Cllr Anne Evans said policing in the community was essential and police being visible was essential too.

A PCSO at the meeting said there had been a reason for changes – promotions, sickness and resignations but recruitment of new officers was on going.

But at a meeting of Caia Park Community Council two weeks ago, town centre inspector Vic Powell explained that the way wards are policed would change with the opening of the new station at the library this month.

He said the same level of resources would be available but changes to coverage would enable officers to be more productive.

Insp Powell said: "We move into the new premises on May 24, a purpose built modern policing facility and I have fought to keep everyone in town.

"We will have the same police resources in the town centre, the only change is that custody is now in Llay. We're still operating from the town."

He added: "We have lost some PCSOs who have moved on, but we are re-structuring the force from early June to give more resilience at key times.

"Every area is going to have constables. They are all developing problem solving, pro-active and engagement skills - they will not just be there to answer the radio, they will be solving problems. They will be in the areas we need them most at any given time.

"The days of having a police officer on every street corner in this country are gone, but we are not losing numbers, we will have more officers on duty, working longer days."

"Come June 3 we will have three officers dedicated to prevention. I think that's massively important and it's where we should start."

At this month's meeting of Acton Community Council, Cllr Kevin Roberts has been elected for a second year in office and the new vice chair is Cllr Sharon Jarvis. Cllr Roberts thanked the clerk Carole Roberts and other councillors for all the help he had had during the past year.