EXTRA police patrols have been conducted in Callington due to an increase of anti-social behaviour and drug misuse.

Earlier this month, the Times reported that Callington Town Council was in ‘uproar’ over the lack of police presence and resources in the area, a story which was closely followed by news that a bin bag full of empty nitrous oxide canisters (NOS) was found in a car park in Callington.

The town council had previously voiced its concern after a couple of incidents which had left councillors ‘alarmed’ by the police response times.

One ‘distressing situation’ was witnessed by Cllr Graham Fox while walking on Kit Hill and he immediately informed the police — but it reportedly took police 32 minutes to attend the scene.

Cllr Fox said at the time: ‘The incident we witnessed could have been potentially very serious and it took the police a shade over 30 minutes to attend — that to me is very scary and not good enough.’

Last week Callington police announced they were to increase patrols in the town due to the rise of anti-social behaviour.

Sargeant James Drake, for Callington, said: ‘We have had some reports of some anti-social driving in the area and also reports of youths loitering in the town centre. As a result of the information from the public we have increased our patrols in the town centre and also the local car parks to provide a high visibility presence to deter potential offenders and offer reassurance to the public. Due to this we have seen the numbers of reports decrease significantly.

‘Devon and Cornwall Police work closely with partner agencies and in the case of anti-social behaviour, the council’s ASB Unit. We would reassure the community that anti-social behaviour remains low in the area and along with the council, the local officers will continue to ensure that this remains the case.

‘Anyone with any concerns can visit safercornwall.co.uk for more information on how anti-social behaviour is tackled. Also they can contact the council’s ASB department on 0300 1234 232 or the police on 101.’

In response to the increase of police presence in the town, Helen Dowdall, clerk for Callington Town Council, said: ‘We appreciate that existing staff levels are stretched and we are not blaming the individual officers.?We were just frustrated by the lack of police resources in and around the town.

‘We are delighted that our voice has been heard and we will work with the police to help keep Callington a happier and safer place to be.

‘We want people to feel safe around the town and in their homes, especially with the dark nights drawing in. The well-being of our residents — that is our main concern.’