DONCASTER COMMUNITY MEETING IN ADWICK

Dr Billings was invited to a community meeting at  Woodlands Library in Adwick-le-Street, Doncaster on Wednesday, 22 November by Councillor John Mounsey.

The meeting with local residents was also attended by Police Inspector Dan McKnight.  A number of issues were discussed, including concerns around anti-social behaviour in the area.

Members of the audience expressed their opinions very forcibly and the Commissioner and local inspector said they had heard the messages very clearly.

Dr Billings pointed out that South Yorkshire Police had faced cuts totalling £73m since 2010 and this had resulted in a loss of almost 500 officers.

He said: “The force is very stretched but the Chief Constable is restoring neighbourhood policing and the local team will do what it can to tackle the crime and anti-social behaviour that residents spoke about.”

The Commissioner went on to visit Mexborough police station afterwards where he met with two of the new police recruits assigned to Mexborough and Edlington.  The Commissioner spoke to the officers about the demands on policing in the area and thanked them for their hard work.