Dr Billings attended a meeting of the Askern Partners and Communities Together (PACT) on Friday, 1 December together with the neighbourhood team Inspector, Dan McKnight, and the two local Police and Community Support Officers.

Dr Billings listened as residents spoke forcefully about local issues of crime and anti-social behaviour.

The Commissioner explained that part of his job was to hear what people were saying and allow that to influence the Police and Crime Plan, which sets the police priorities.

He said “South Yorkshire Police have faced severe reductions of £73m in government grant over the past six years. There are fewer officers in the county as a result. Nevertheless, neighbourhood policing is being restored and Askern has an additional PCSO from this month to join an experienced colleague. Askern should not feel forgotten.”