Many are not satisfied with police

People in north Shropshire are calling for more police on the streets and harsher punishments for crime, according to a survey conducted by the district’s Tory MP.

In the survey by Owen Paterson, who represents the north Shropshire constituency, 59 per cent of people who were victims of anti-social behaviour said they were not satisfied with action taken by the police and by North Shropshire District Council and Oswestry Borough Council.

Nearly all respondents called for a visible police presence and others asked for punishments which fit the crime to be handed out.

People also called for restricted pub opening hours, a drinking ban in public places and enforcement of rules to clean up litter and dog mess. When asked about facilities in the area, respondents said they wanted a meeting place for young people, a better bus service, better street lighting, free parking and a kerbside rubbish collection.

People also expressed concern about the building of new homes in the area, with 56 per cent of people saying they were unhappy with the amount of houses being built and 89 per cent calling for restrictions on building homes in back gardens.

When asked about the level of healthcare provided in the district, respondents cited many reasons why they were not satisfied.

Mr Paterson said: “Some of these results are very striking. I have written to North Shropshire District Council, Shropshire County Council and Shropshire County Primary Care Trust plus the Chief Constable of West Mercia police.”