A SENIOR police officer is to counter claims made by councillors that the standard of policing in Northallerton has fallen.

Insp Simon Lovell, from Northallerton police, will attend Monday's town council meeting to respond to criticism voiced by councillors.

Insp Lovell said he welcomed the opportunity to speak to councillors about improved performance in the town and ongoing action to tackle problems.

The response follows criticism at the Northallerton Town Council March meeting, when Couns Andy Wake and John Prest said policing standards had fallen and called for more visible officers in the town.

Insp Lovell said that in the past 12 months overall crime across Hambleton had fallen by 12pc, compared with the same period the year before.

In Northallerton there had been a 8pc reduction in overall crime, including a 16pc drop in burglaries and a 17pc drop in vehicle crime.

"These figure equate to 320 fewer crimes than last year," said Insp Lovell. "There has been a slight increase in minor crimes such as damage and disorder, so we are very aware of these problems and know this is the area to target."

Insp Lovell said there had also been a 30pc reduction in overall crime in Bedale.

He said the force target of a 35pc detection rate had been achieved and police were now aiming for a 40pc detection rate and to reduce crime in the area by a further 10pc.

Insp Lovell said: "These targets are not easy to achieve, and because we are busy reducing these crimes that is probably why we haven't been so visible in the town."

He said the neighbourhood policing teams set up in Northallerton, Bedale, Thirsk, Easingwold, Great Ayton and Stokesley at the start of this month would help tackle local problems and develop strong links with the communities.

Insp Lovell said: "As a police force we always look to work closely with communities and residents and councillors to tackle problems that affect everyone, so I am pleased to have this chance to respond to concerns and give people a fuller idea of what the police are doing in the town."

* Monday's meeting is at 7pm in the town hall