POLICE have hit back at criticism made by members of Malvern Town Council's operations committee, who attacked the force over the policing of Victoria Park in Malvern Link.

Chief Inspector Sharon Gibbons, who is responsible for local policing in Malvern, said: "In the last year there have been only ten reported crimes relating to Victoria Park and only four involved town council property."

She said the reduction was due to the commitment of the Malvern Hills District Community Safety Partnership, which includes the police and Malvern Hills District Council.

"It has always been our intention to consistently inform the public generally - and decision-makers and decision-influencers in particular - of what we are doing to maintain order and combat crime and disorder.

"We are keen to ensure that the town councillors are also kept informed, but our attempts to renew our regular meetings with them have not worked so far.

"All town council members are given the details of the officers they can contact to gain information about issues of concern. Whilst some town councillors have taken this opportunity, others haven't and we need to do more to ensure they are involved."

Malvern Hills District Council's community safety officer, Jenny Lawrence, said: "It is to be hoped the town council will once again re-engage with partners and play its rightful part in working to tackle crime and disorder in Malvern."