FLY-TIPPING and speeding are the biggest concerns in the Lancashire countryside, the latest National Rural Crime Survey has revealed.

The first issue was raised by 50 per cent of those who responded and the second by 34 per cent.

They came ahead of criminal damage (10 per cent) and theft (9 per cent).

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said, "This survey shows that concerns about rural crime are a real issue in the county,

"The fact that the main issues aren't just for the police does show the impact that cuts across the public sector have on our communities.

"For years I have been saying that cuts to council services, and other partners, impact on the police.

"While there is a lot of work to be done to make rural communities feel safer, I am glad that the majority of residents in our rural communities have a positive view of the police overall."

Superintendent Julian Platt, Lancashire Constabulary's lead on rural crime said, "Within our rural communities we have specially trained local officers who understand rural life, the challenges and how best to support our community. Recently, Lancashire has purchased new 4x4 vehicles to make sure these officers can extend our reach into rural Lancashire. "