COUNCILLORS have teamed up with local police staff to organise a ward walkabout to help cut down on crime in the area.

Cllr Jean Battle and Cllr Lorraine Cox, who represent the Church ward on Hyndburn Council, joined up with the local community police team in Church and Milnshaw for an organised area walkabout.

PC Paula Birch and PCSO Louise Heterick arranged to link up with the ward councillors following close working during a recent community open day event.

Cllr Cox said: “Recently several issues within Church have caused many residents to raise concerns and ask for a higher-profile police presence.

“Although difficult our local police teams have been working hard to reassure the community that, despite cuts to the service, they are still a presence in the town.”

The walkabout covered all of Church Kirk and a section of West Accrington.

Issues dealt with included speaking to residents who had reported anti-social behaviour and problems with fly tipping.

Cllr Battle said: “It was a chance for our police to chat and walk around the ward. It also helps us both exchange knowledge.”