IN North Worcestershire public confidence in the local police has increased to 58 per cent compared to 48 per cent two years ago, it has been claimed according to year-end figures for 2010/11.

Meanwhile, it has also been announced that the satisfaction of victims and witnesses with the service has increased to 87 per cent from 85 per cent during the same period.

Chairman of North Worcestershire Policing Board, Col Tony Ward, said: ” Last year the police authority set West Mercia Police the challenge of making a difference, and improving user satisfaction and public confidence.

“They have certainly done that in North Worcestershire. I congratulate the Territorial Police Unit (TPU) Commander, Superintendent Adrian Pass, and his team of officers, staff, and volunteers.

“These figures show that the police are listening and do respond to local people’s needs and concerns.”

Members of the public can find out more about policing, have their say and quiz the TPU Commander and local police authority members at a “policing matters” public meeting on Wednesday August 24 at 7pm in Kidderminster Library.

The North Worcestershire Policing Board, which is made up of West Mercia Police Authority members Col Ward and Worcestershire county councillors Sheila Blagg and Brandon Clayton, meets regularly with the TPU Commander to monitor delivery of the West Mercia policing plan in North Worcestershire.