POLICE are facing calls to do more to tackle knives, anti-social behaviour and drug issues allegedly plaguing Haltwhistle.

Dozens of people living in the town attended a public meeting at the Methodist Church called to discuss crime and disorder.

It came after Acting Inspector for the area, Kate Benson, said there was “no substance” to reports of youths carrying knives at a meeting of Tynedale Local Area Council two weeks ago.

READ MORE: 'Scared to walk down street at night' - Claims gangs are carrying knifes in town

Speaking at the most recent meeting, Acting Insp. Benson explained that the police definition of a gang involved groups of young people engaged in “a range of criminal activity” as well as structures, a claim of territory and often conflict with other gangs.

She explained: “Police aren’t dismissing your concerns, we’re listening to you. The purpose of this meeting is to address concerns.

"I can categorically say we don’t have those gangs in Haltwhistle. We do have a number of youths that engage in anti-social behaviour and violence.

"A lot of the action police take is invisible.

“Haltwhistle is a safe place to live. It’s reassuring to see so many people here, you clearly care about where you live.

“Crime in Haltwhistle makes up 0.3 per cent of the crime in the Northumbria Police area and four per cent of the crime in Northumberland, which matches other towns of a similar size.”

Acting Insp. Benson also pointed out there had been an increase in stop and search in the area over the past year, but none of these searches had uncovered any weapons.

She also detailed how the police worked with other agencies, including the county council and local schools to tackle youth crime.

Cllr Alan Sharp, the chairman of Haltwhistle Town Council, encouraged residents to report crimes.

He said: “We did have a meeting two weeks ago of the town council where people raised concerns about knives and people not feeling safe to walk in their town.

"I have been a councillor for 35 years and I’ve never known the feedback like we have had now. It’s a very serious situation and we, as a town council, are taking it very seriously.

“The key message is report everything and don’t be frightened. I hear a lot that people are scared to call the police in case they get bricks through their window.”

Acting Insp. Benson explained residents who gave information would be kept anonymous and there was no need to fear being identified.

But one resident, who did not give his name, said he did not trust the police.

He said: “I didn’t come here to be lectured on what a gang is.

"Why is there a lack of reporting to the police? Because we don’t trust them. They’re not where you need them and you get no feedback when you do report things.

"I’ve simply lost trust and faith in the police.”

Another resident and former town councillor, Gail Ward, raised concerns about problems with drug use and dealing in the town.

She said: “People have brought up some valid complaints. It is not enough and it’s not been enough for a long time.

"There are drugs in this town and we all know it’s going on.

“I live in the middle of it when they’re kicking off and off their t***s on drugs and so drunk they can’t get up the stairs. The smell of weed is so bad I could get high off the fumes nevermind them, I’ve had to block my vents.

“Kids see adults doing this. The kids in this down deserve better.”

The mother of alleged murder victim Holly Newton, who was from Haltwhistle, attended the meeting, where there were also calls for more police presence on the town’s streets.

Acting Insp. Benson said the town still had community support officers assigned and would continue to do so despite upcoming cuts to PCSO numbers.