RESIDENTS and police discussed crime in Upton at a meeting on Wednesday.

Ch Insp Sharon Gibbons gave crime figures for the area and an overview of policing in Upton to the Police Community Consult-ative Group

"Policing in this area is a priority for us. I'm aware of some of the difficulties. Communication is a difficulty, but you can rest assured that what we're doing in this area is just the same as anywhere else," she said.

Residents then asked Ch Insp Gibbons questions, with town councillor Eric White raising the issue of illegal parking.

Ch Insp Gibbons said the force employing a traffic warden would mean one less police officer but dangerous parking was always dealt with.

District councillor Mary Wilkinson asked if more police coverage was planned when local pubs were granted extended licensing hours.

Ch Insp Gibbons said it was not yet known what effect new licensing laws would have, but if more police were needed on duty at night there would be fewer officers policing during the day.

PCCG chairman John Lakemen told the meeting that the revival of Upton Neighbourhood Watch was going well.

Brian Hamilton-Hewitt has agreed to be Upton area co-ordinator and a meeting of neighbourhood co-ordinators will take place later this month.

Isabel Vanderheeren, of Worcestershire County Council's youth service, gave a presentation, saying the service was exploring moving into Upton.

Amna Ali, of the Worcester Substance Misuse Action Team, and Sue Davies, of the Malvern Drug Locality Team, spoke about the local drug scene.