POLICING in Northallerton has come under fire from councillors who say the service is the worst it has ever been.

Councillor Andy Wake told a meeting of Northallerton Town Council this week that the force must improve.

"It is shocking how rarely we see police out on the town streets," said Coun Wake, who also works as a town centre store detective.

"It's about time we saw money spent where it should be - on the streets."

Councillor John Prest agreed that the service was poor.

He told the meeting: "The one thing that is said by everyone who goes into the town is that you cannot find a police officer when you need one.

"When things have happened in my ward, I wrote to the police and heard nothing back for ten days. Eventually, I got a letter saying they would look into it. It's just not good enough."

Despite their concerns councillors at the meeting, including Mayor Tony Hall, agreed the town's Police Community Support Officers were doing a lot to help, but some said more needed to be done.

Inspector Simon Lovell, of Northallerton police, said: "Coun Wake and North Yorkshire Police have a good working relationship. I understand his concerns and we are seeking to address the issue of policing in the town centre.

"Coun Prest has received an acknowledgement of his letter and we are looking into the matters he raised."

He said a neighbourhood policing unit should soon be open in Hambleton with a team of officers dedicated to Northallerton and surrounding area.