A councillor claims residents in her troubled estate are being let down by police, who increasingly focus on the town centre.

Liberal Democrat councillor Amanda Grimston fears drug dealing and other anti-social behaviour is becoming an increasing problem on the Meriden estate in Watford.

She says there are times when neighbourhood police officers are being deployed elsewhere – rather than on the beat locally.

She said: “I just feel our estate is getting worse and worse – because it’s all focused on the town centre.

“Our officers work incredibly hard but they have to go out to the borders and the outskirts – and they are not getting out on foot and walking the beat.”

Cllr Grimston also says residents can be reluctant to report crimes because it takes so long to get an answer from the police’s non-emergency 101 number.

“My residents won’t phone 101 – because when they do phone up they end up waiting 20 minutes to get through,” she said. “And a lot aren’t able to go online to report crimes.”

Cllr Grimston made the remarks at a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel last Thursday, where she was representing Watford Council.

Following the meeting, Watford Chief Inspector Matt Phillips defended policing in Meriden.

He says Meriden’s full-time PC and PCSO routinely patrol the area and are in regular contact with partner organisations locally.

And, he stresses, specialist units are also used in the area to conduct covert operations and carry out warrants.

“On some occasions, it is necessary to deploy resources to where they are most needed in order to match demand,” he said.

“Resources are constantly reviewed to ensure we are doing all we can to deter crime and keep people safe.”

Chief Insp Phillips urged residents to continue to continue to report any crimes in the area.

He added: “I encourage residents to come forward with information and reports of crime or anti-social behaviour so we can respond as quickly as possible and explore long-term problem solving measures."