COUNCILLORS TO TACKLE POLICE OVER ANTI SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

9.49.48am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th Oct 2007

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Torbay Council, Cllr Steve Darling, has written to the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police for a second time on anti social behaviour.

Cllr Darling's initial letter to the Chief Constable regarding the new 'airwave' system which has replaced the mobile phones that beat police used to have, was passed to another Inspector to answer. Cllr Darling has asked for the Chief Constable, as the decision-maker, to respond.

Cllr Darling's letter also informs the Chief Constable that Torbay Council's Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be looking into the issue of the 'airwave' system as part of an investigation into the issue of anti social behaviour.

Cllr Darling's letter says:

Thank you for the letter, which came from your Assistant Chief Inspector David Sumner.

However, I would welcome your thoughts on improving communication between the Community and grass roots police, as I understand that you are the decision-maker on the issue. I have enclosed my original letter for your comments.

Also, it is only fair to let you know that Torbay Council's Overview and Scrutiny will be looking into the issue of mobile phones being replaced by the airwave system. The Committee is likely to be asking Chief Superintendent Barry Marsden (the South and West Devon BCU Commander) or yourself to come to that meeting to discuss the issue.

Councillor Darling said: "I was disappointed by the response from the Police to my original letter, so I have written to the Chief Constable again for his own views on the matter. It is also good news that the Overview and Scrutiny Board on Torbay Council have agreed to the request from the Liberal Democrats to look into this matter as part of an investigation of anti social behaviour."