Councillors have called for a senior ranking police officer to meet with them after Cockermouth residents spoke of increasing levels of anti-social behaviour which left them 'beginning to feel unsafe in our homes and town'.

Phil Gerrard, of Double Mills, met with three town councillors recently to discuss problems faced by him and residents in two neighbouring riverside properties.

Anti-social behaviour had resulted in two visits from the police that week.

He then wrote to the council, saying that anti-social behaviour has 'noticeably increased' over the last six months, leaving the residents 'beginning to feel unsafe in our homes and town' and calling for action.

"I write this as a member of the Cockermouth community, not specifically a resident of Double Mills, to flag increasing levels of anti-social behaviour that is occurring across Cockermouth, from what seems to be a relatively small number of children of both primary and secondary school age," said Mr Gerrard.

"In our discussions today, it appeared that a community problem needs a community solution."

He called for the council to to convene a meeting with interested parties, "eg the town council, secondary and primary school heads, police and any other interested community parties, to agree a strategy and action plan to address this issue".

The letter was discussed at a recent meeting of the town council.

Cllr Stephen Barnes criticised the lack of police presence at town council meetings. Even though we have a police station on the edge of town, people did not feel safe in their own homes, he said.

Cllr Catherine Bell stated that vandalism had put six shops out of business for a week and called for more of a police presence in town.

Cllr Helen Tucker said the police should be informing the council of incidents.

Cllr James Samson queried the police strategy for the town.

Cllr David Malloy suggested a general discussion with police and that PCSOs should visit schools to dissuade anti-social behaviour.

It was resolved that a 'senior ranking police officer be invited to a future meeting to discuss their current approach to policing in Cockermouth'.

The council will also ask if their CCTV has been used in the detection of a crime.

A police spokesman confirmed this week that Sgt Neil McKinnell, from Workington’s Neighbourhood Policing team, will attend the next council meeting, in August.

Sgt McKinnell said: “Anti-social behaviour is always a priority for us.

“We have not seen an increased in reports the last six months compared to last year, however we are aware of recent incidents.

“We know the impact anti-social behaviour can have on our communities and we regularly have PCSO Clare Parker in Cockermouth addressing these issues alongside the wider team.

“From August 10, we will also have a dedicated Community Beat Officer for Cockermouth and the surrounding area joining our team.

“PC Shona Pattinson will be working with partners to understand the issues locally and how we and partners can address and prevent them.”