THERE were clashes over police cuts between councillors and the public at a meeting tonight, with one woman accusing councillors of trying to wash their hands of the issue.

At the Area 2 Committee Meeting at Sir James Hawkey Hall Deputy Council Leader and Roding Ward Councillor Iain Bond said that he would try to ensure that “our wards do not get a bad deal” but conceded that a reduction in policing numbers was inevitable.

This prompted one woman to ask why councillors do not do more to prevent crime and anti social behaviour by blocking alcohol licensing applications.

Bridge Ward Councillor John Fairley-Churchill responded that the police should make stronger attempts to block late licensing applications and said that councillors hands were tied by central legislation that meant they could do nothing unless there were specific objections on the table, declaring “the law is on the side of the applicant.”

One woman replied: “We are all trying to keep our community together and all you are saying is that you are helpless.”