ALMOST a third of Shropshire residents feel West Mercia Police fail to understand the issues in their area, a survey has found.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion, recently held a survey asking residents their views on policing.

The result of the survey found that 83 per cent of people asked believed they could contact the police in an emergency.

Despite this, only 70 per cent of those questioned feel the force understands the issues in their area.

And just over half of the questioned residents of Shropshire said they were satisfied with levels of policing in their area

Mr Campion said there was room for improvement.

He said: "Shropshire is a vast county covering rural villages and busy towns.

"I am pleased that the communities and councils that call this area home, feel the service they receive is suited to their needs.

"These surveys are a great way to capture the views and concerns from the public, I use the results to shape the decisions I make on behalf of the communities and ensure no matter how rural their home may be that their needs are met.

"I acknowledge that there is always room for improvement, with the challenges we have faced over the last year it is understandable that the trust in the force may have wavered.

"But I am dedicated to ensuring that West Mercia Police delivers the best service for the residents and that we see improvement in these statistics."

The key findings for both surveys from Shropshire are:

• Just under three quarters of the councils believe West Mercia Police are doing a good job.

• 76 per cent of the councils are aware of the local policing charter.

• 76 per cent rated the level of contact they had with the police as good, fair or excellent, the highest in the four years of this survey being completed.

• Road safety is deemed to be a problem in the area for 36 of the 46 councils questioned.

• Just over half of the questioned residents of Shropshire are satisfied with levels of policing in their area.

• 83 per cent of residents have confidence in West Mercia Police.

• Only 70 per cent of those questioned feel the force understands the issues in their area.