For the first time in many years the Police were not in attendance at last nights Bridgwater Town Council meeting. Because the meetings are now held on Zoom the Police say they are not able to use this format. Town Council Leader Brian Smedley (Westover) said “We have always made Police issues the number one item on our agenda and the Police have always responded positively to this. At this time there is a general perception of increased levels of anti social behaviour in the town yet Police are saying instances are down on this time last year. People don’t accept this and so councillors need a forum to bring the publics concerns to the Police who need to be open to public scrutiny. As a result we are going to set up a ‘Police Priorities Forum’ whereby the Police can attend in whatever format they are legally able to but where councillors can question them and bring the concerns of the public directly to them. This will be separate to our Council Zoom meetings but will be held regularly and we will insist more frequently as the public need to be reassured and feel safe in these unusual times that we’re living through”