REDUCING demand on policing and delivering a better service to the public was one of the main topics raised as West Mercia PCC John Campion met with the chief constable Anthony Bangham.

Mr Campion discussed the force's approach to the 'We Don't Buy Crime' scheme and work with partner organisations in other fields, such as mental health.

The use of funding to make local communities safer was also discussed, with £300,000 already being spent to fund more than 100 projects through the PCC’s Local Policing and Community Ambassadors Fund.

The investment covers a range of local projects from youth inclusion and diversionary projects through to improved CCTV and preventative schemes.

The investment aims to tackle a range of issues and crime types including drug offences, cyber crime, acquisitive crime, knife crime and hate crime.

Mr Campion said “I am committed to ensuring West Mercia Police are delivering the best possible service, in order to make our communities safer. It’s important that the force manage demand and focus on priorities.

"Prevention is a key part of this, and I’m pleased to see a range of innovative schemes, which help people to keep themselves safe.

"The localised investments I have made in communities, are also helping to make them safer.

"I maintain my commitment to hold the Chief Constable to account to ensure we continue to deliver this aim.”