TAUNTON Deane's MP has countered a LibDem call for more bobbies on the beat by pointing out Avon and Somerset has more police officers since the Conservatives came to power in 2010.

Gideon Amos, the LibDem Parliamentary candidate for the constituency has written to Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford pressing for a greater police presence following "a summer of vandalism" in Taunton and Wellington.

He said: “After a period when the Conservatives made some of the biggest cuts in the history of the police, it’s time we saw a real step up in police presence not just a talking shop.

“I and many others want to see the Conservatives’ cuts to the police reversed and officers put back on our streets.

“That’s why I’ve written to the Commissioner directly requesting more officers to be deployed in Taunton and Wellington, particularly given the recent spate of vandalism in the area."

Mr Amos accused MP Rebecca Pow and fellow Conservatives of supporting a 15 per cent cut in police numbers to 2019.

“Recent announcements that Avon and Somerset Officer police numbers will now increase will be meaningless unless we see more 'bobbies on the beat' in our area," said Mr Amos.

“It’s time the Conservatives came round to supporting the LibDem call to bring back proper community policing."

Mr Amos has told Mr Shelford more police officers on duty in Taunton and Wellington would be a deterrent following a spike in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Ms Pow said: "Avon and Somerset Police numbers this week are 3,359 - 524 more than 2019 and 174 more than 2010.

"Extra officers are reinforcing neighbourhood teams to deal specifically with anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, road safety and the five forces in the South West are coming together in combined operations to target rural crime.

"Following a recent spate of anti-social behaviour in Taunton Deane and particularly Taunton, I have met and engaged with a variety of businesses in the town who have been targeted, our local police teams, Somerset Council and Taunton Town Council.

"I am hosting a meeting shortly with all interest parties, so that we can make a concerted effort to address the scourge of anti-social behaviour.”