MENTAL health incidents remain a concern in Ellesmere, despite a low level of other crimes in the town.

Inspector Claire Greenaway, from North Shropshire SNT, told Ellesmere Town Council of the current crime figures at the latest full council meeting, held on Monday, October 4.

She said that although crime levels in the town were 'good', the highest number of callouts over the last three months were for concerns for welfare.

A concern for welfare check is made by a member of the public who is concerned for their own safety or someone else.

Insp Greenaway said that despite the low overall crime numbers, mental health issues were concerning.

She said: "Overall it's very good news.

"In July there were 91 calls for service, August it was 85, September 103 – the public are not having to call in numerous incidents.

"Calls come into Shropshire as a whole every two to three minutes."

Insp Greenaway added: "Top of the shop is concerns for welfare, we are getting on average 15 concerns for safety every month, which is mental health, which is quite concerning.

"That's not just elderly, that's a cross section of all.

"Nuisance, antisocial behaviour is the next one down and that's about 15-a-month.

"Crime is really, really low, each of the months average about seven assaults a month, but those might not be serious assaults.

"Criminal damage figures only once in July, doesn't figure again in August and comes in one in September so they're very encouraging figures.

"I'm really confident we're getting as much info as we should be getting, I'm really pleased with the figures in Ellesmere at the moment."