NORTHUMBRIA'S Police and Crime Commissioner has joined councillors on the streets of a town that has suffered from a spate of anti-social behaviour in recent months.

Labour’s Kim McGuinness was in Prudhoe alongside Northumberland Conservative county councillors Gordon Stewart and Colin Horncastle.

The commissioner’s “walkabout” follows a number of high-profile incidents in the town going back to April – the most recent of which saw an 18-year-old man taken to hospital after a suspected stabbing on August 5.

Earlier this year, the town’s Front Street was cordoned off after reports a man had fallen from the window of a vacant property. Subsequent investigations by police uncovered a cannabis farm at an address on the street.

Speaking following Ms McGuinness’ visit, Councillor Stewart – who represents the Prudhoe South ward – urged residents to report any incidences of anti-social behaviour to the police.

He said: “The anti-social behaviour of an individual can cause great distress to many local residents; I wish to encourage anyone who witnesses this behaviour to contact the police.

“It is apparent that only a small number of incidents are reported, and it should be emphasised that such information can be reported anonymously if preferred.

“To ignore it does not help to improve the situation. Such problems can be dealt with by a close working relationship between the police, social housing providers if appropriate and the county council, but the public support is vital in letting the above know what is happening in their communities, so please play your part.”

The commissioner, who is Labour’s candidate for the upcoming mayoral election for the new North East Combined Authority, echoed Cllr Stewart’s plea.

Kim McGuinness said:  “As police commissioner, I regularly meet with ward councillors and neighbourhood police officers to discuss local issues. There’s a lot of pro-active policing taking place in Prudhoe, and I’d urge anyone who witnesses or experiences anti-social behaviour here to make the force aware of it so they have a full picture of what is happening.

“Earlier this year I announced plans to increase frontline police numbers with 134 new neighbourhood officers. Where these officers are deployed is a decision for the Chief Constable, but I’ll continue to invest in frontline policing to keep our neighbourhoods safe.”