A LAUNCESTON woman has asked if her community will ‘be forgotten’, despite a projected rise in council tax and promises of millions being spent to put more police on the streets.

Maxine Lamb, who is a member of Kensey Valley Residents’ Association, addressed Launceston Town Council at its February meeting, and spoke of Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner’s new crime plan.

Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez had herself been present at the start of the town council meeting, to talk to councillors about the plan.

Ms Hernandez is set to provide almost £24-million in additional money ‘so that Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer can put more police officers on the streets by 2020’.

She said: “A 2% increase in the precept is the plan for the next four years,” and budget proposals have been put forward to the police and crime panel.

Ms Lamb, who is looking to become the new Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for her area, due to previous background of working with the police, said: “I notice that there has been a recent drive to employ more PCSOs. This is to provide a police service that is ‘accessible, responsive, informative and supportive’. This is going to be paid for by a 2% increase in council tax.

“Does this mean that Launceston will get more policing? More visible on the streets? Or is Launceston going to be forgotten in this? It appears they are stretched as it is and crime seems to be on a rise.

“I think I speak on behalf of Launceston and our residents that we are rather concerned we may be paying more council tax and getting less help.”

She said two issues the town experiences are speeding and the use of mobile phones when driving, adding of a recent incident on Kensey Hill: “A van who was speeding nearly hit the kerb just in front of me, if he had not corrected at the last minute he would have gone up the kerb and hit me and my dogs.

“There are people who walk home from school with their children down this road.”

She asked if there are ‘probationers that need experience in arrests that we could use, to make the town aware and put a stop to it?’.

Mayor Cllr Brian Hogan confirmed the town council had received her questions via email and would be replying to her in due course.

Ms Hernandez had earlier told the meeting: “When I speak to councillors in different patches I get a lot about road safety. Road safety has been quite a big issue.

“I love the community speed watch and I’m looking at how to give more powers to them. The Chief Constable could delegate more powers to community speed watch volunteers.

“If you have got any views in Launceston how better you could access policing, or you have views on the current situation, now’s the time to get in touch.

“I’m up for any ideas. Really it’s an opportunity for you to request what you might want in your town.

“Policing hasn’t changed much in many years. Now is the time to start thinking about how we do things differently.”

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner can be reached by calling 01392 225555 or by emailing [email protected]