Gideon Amos MP has welcomed news that nine additional police officers are on the way in the Taunton and West Somerset area as a victory in the Lib Dems’ campaign to bring back law and order and 'proper community policing'.
Mr Amos spent an afternoon on the beat with local police to get first-hand experience of the issues they are facing.
He said: “I and my 72 colleagues in Parliament have actively fought for proper community policing to bring back law and order to our towns and villages after the last Conservative government reduced police numbers across the country since 2015 by a staggering 50,000.
"That work built on my campaign throughout the General Election, and since, calling for more bobbies on the beat, so I’m delighted the government has now agreed to increase the number of frontline officers here in our area.
“I’m working with my Lib Dem councillor colleagues at Taunton Town Council who are really getting to grips with the challenge as well – doubling the new Street Marshals from one to two is a great step.
“I am also stepping up my efforts to obtain a Public Space Protection Order for Castle Green in Taunton.
“There’s still more to do to catch the culprits but this joint approach with LibDem councillors shows that teamwork can really start to get results in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour here in Taunton and Wellington.”
Cllr Tom Deakin, leader of Taunton Town Council, set out further details of action being taken, saying: "As a town council, we are well aware of people's concerns regarding policing in our town.
"That's why we have invested in additional measures such as our Street Marshals, built stronger links with our hard-working business community and saved our essential CCTV service from closure.
"We are delighted that Avon and Somerset Police are now also responding by introducing these much-needed new officers in our town and the surrounding area."
The extra officers for Taunton and West Somerset have been confirmed by Avon and Somerset Police as part of 70 new officers across the force.
Clare Moody, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The government’s commitment to neighbourhood policing is very welcome and aligns with my priorities for our area.
“Having more officers in our communities plays a crucial role in feeling safe and building trust and confidence in policing locally.
“I’m also very pleased that Avon and Somerset Police will be deploying experienced officers into these additional roles, bringing their problem-solving and investigative skills.
“In addition, there will be new officers to replace those who are moved into these roles.
“Gideon has raised the need for more neighbourhood policing each time we’ve met. It’s an agenda we share and I’m very pleased that Taunton is getting this necessary support.”
