WHITCHURCH town councillors have launched a scathing attack on West Mercia Police, describing the force as 'inadequate' and 'ineffective' and its plan for the future as 'a load of waffle'.

The comments come after councillors were asked if they would like to provide a response to Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion's Safer West Mercia Plan at October's full council meeting, held on Thursday, October 21.

Earlier this year the PCC launched his plan to deliver a safer West Mercia, and gave communities the chance to shape the final version.

As part of a consultation to gather views, the public have been able to have their say on the focus for policing in the coming years and how it will benefit their communities.

But on inspection of the draft plan, several councillors made clear their disgust at what they viewed to be a "waste of time" that did not represent Whitchurch.

Councillor Paul Busby was scathing of the draft plan.

He said: "My only concern is that there are a million and one pages, this in my eyes isn't a consultation.

"I want to know their ideas for the town – I'm sure it's got lovely points in it but there's a lot of talking.

"What we want is for West Mercia Police to point out what they want for this town.

"I think this is wrong and I think we should be asking for more from them."

Cllr Gregory Ebbs agreed with this assertion, adding: "There is an awful lot of talk and not much doing."

Cllr John Martin was even more robust in his language, saying: "I agree with Cllr Busby, this is a load of waffle.

"We need to send a robust response saying this is inadequate.

"There is too much crime and the police are ineffective.

"What we should do is send a clear message from this small town to all other towns that we don't want this ineffective waffle, we're fed up with it."

Cllr Busby added: "We need to say, we are not accepting this, this is a marketing tool for the commissioner.

"This is beyond inadequate, this is a waste of our time."

Cllr Gregory Ebbs suggested that if West Mercia Police failed to commit to Whitchurch, then the town should be allowed to employ its own security.

He said: "I would ask that we write a formal letter to the police asking if they are able to combat crime, and if they are not then sign on a dotted line saying we can sign our own private security."

It was agreed by councillors to respond to the plan by outlining their issues with the level of policing in the town.

Cllr Martin said: "I propose we make no representation, how do you respond to waffle.

"If we direct any response it should be to the Chief Constable over the inadequacy of the policing in this area."

Cllr Busby added: "I believe that we need to ensure we are responding, saying we are sending no representation and outlining why.

"We are shooting ourselves in the foot by not highlighting how they are inadequate."

Responding to the complaints, Mr Campion said: “It is disappointing to read the comments from Councillors Busby, Ebbs and Martin.

"My Safer West Mercia Plan is for the communities of West Mercia and it sets out the focus based on the views of the public. 

"As Commissioner I am committed to reducing crime and seeing that our communities are safe and feel safe. 

"I also want to see that West Mercia Police is effective in tackling crime and part of my plan is about holding the force to account to ensure that happens.

“Understandably there is a lot to the plan but, due to its nature, it needs to be comprehensive in order to cover the vast geographical and diverse communities West Mercia covers. 

"Following my re-election I have added to my previous police and crime plan to best serve our community ”