A COMMUNITY group has raised ‘deep and grave’ concerns about the impact police cuts are having on the safety of people who enjoy nights out in a town centre.

Consett Street Friends, which carries out overnight patrols to help revellers get home, has sent an open letter to Home Office minister Nick Hurd, criticising the Government’s austerity policy.

James Colwell, of Consett Street Friends, said: “There has been a massive reduction in officers on patrol.

“This has had a direct impact on the work we do within the night time economy and has led to, at times, the streets being left to volunteer organisations such as ourselves, and the goodwill of door staff and publicans.

“We write this letter in partnership with members of the night time economy to say enough is enough and it is time the Government properly funded our police and emergency services.”

In 2015, the group, which started four years ago and is based at Leadgate Methodist Church, received a Chief Superintendent’s Commendation and has been visited by former Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Home Office Sarah Newton MP.

Durham’s Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner Ron Hogg said: “I share their concerns over Government funding for policing and I have been campaigning for some time for a fair funding settlement for policing in Durham.”

This view has also been echoed by Laura Pidcock MP for North West Durham.

She said: “I am extremely concerned at the level of police cover in my constituency and urge the Government to compensate for historic cuts and halt any proposed cuts before members of the public are put at serious risk.”

The group’s letter collected over 21 signatures and has the support of many licensees in the area.

Inspector Keith Wardle, of Consett Police, said: “It is a challenge to police the night-time economy when we simply don’t have the numbers of officers we had five years ago, but the safety of the public remains our top priority.”

“Our officers work hard to protect people enjoying a night out in the town.”

The Home Office said police forces have the resources they need to do their vital work.

A spokesman said Durham Police had reserves of £13 million in March 2017.

The spokesman said: “Durham Police can increase funding by around £2.4 million next year if the Police and Crime Commissioner uses his council tax precept flexibility.”