WHITEHILL Town Council is considering inviting Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Michael Lane and local police to Whitehill & Bordon’s annual town meeting.

This follows an attempt by Whitehill & Bordon Community Party leader Cllr Andy Tree to ask Hampshire Constabulary’s district commander for East Hampshire and Havant, Chief Inspector Clare Jenkins, to attend a full council meeting on March 18.

He proposed a motion requesting that on January 14, based on answers from residents to his question on the party’s Facebook page as to whether crime was rising in Whitehill & Bordon, with the hope of it being discussed at the full council meeting on January 21.

Cllr Tree said: “My proposed motion did not make it on to the town council agenda. However, it did initiate a discussion.

“As a result, I now hope the town council will invite the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, and also some local police officers, to the annual town meeting, where members of the public are invited.

“I would support this idea. The date is yet to be confirmed, and it would be for the town council to confirm their proposals and actions through formal channels. It would also be dependent on the police.”

Within three days, Cllr Tree’s question – posed on Facebook on January 11 – attracted 57 comments from people agreeing with him that crime was going up, and calling for more action to deal with it.

Among the commenters, Steve Marshall said: “It is pretty clear to me that the police know who are responsible for the majority of crimes in the area, but they are not being given the support of local or national government to arrest and convict – partly due to lack of funding, and a nanny state attitude that has evolved over the last 25 years.”

Angela Bowden said: “There is no fear of getting caught by police because response times are slow due to there being no local station.”

Hannah Sullivan, who lives in Quebec Park, said: “There’s terrible problems with youths hanging around the empty St Lucia houses.”

Sam Flavell concurred with Cllr Tree, saying: “Crime in this area has definitely gone up recently, no doubt about it.”

Rosemary Knight told Cllr Tree: “A constant police presence must be part of your campaign – it’s a joke at the moment and an absolute disgrace, and must be a priority.”

Jez Burton said crime had “definitely” gone up in Whitehill & Bordon, adding: “It’s always likely to happen when you get rid of the police station. The criminals know the nearest proper cop shop is now Aldershot.”

Karen Wells Heard said: “I’ve had stolen goods thrown over my garden fence twice – luckily I was able to trace the owners – vans and cars broken into on our street, drugs packets left by a primary school, kids throwing things at me when I’m cycling. Shocking!”

Phil Greenslade said: “Sadly we no longer have a proactive police force. We now have ‘response cops’ who are stretched beyond belief so can only respond to more serious incidents. When was the last time anyone saw any kind of real police presence in and around Bordon? Until the police receive proper funding again and increase patrols things are only going to get worse.”

Cllr Tree responded: “Thank you to everyone who has replied – feedback is much appreciated. We were aware of a growing number of crime-related posts across social media.

“I hope the town council can act as a link between the police and the public, for reassurance and community safety. From a Whitehill & Bordon Community Party perspective, this is an initial step in the right direction and only the beginning of a positive relationship that we would want the town council to have with the police.”