PCC Paddy gets the grand tour...

He took a tour of the town accompanied by Insp Steve Cartwright and several local councillors. The fact-finding mission was also a chance to meet other officers and PCSOs.

Insp Cartwright said the meeting was ‘very productive’ and he was ‘greatly encouraged’ by the PCC’s visit. “Paddy was keen to listen about the challenges we face and how we think they can be overcome by working together. He was very supportive of the work my teams do and I look forward to meeting with him again in 2013,” he said.

Insp Cartwright took Mr Tipping into Worksop town centre where they spoke of the positive effect of investment such as the cinema, and plans for the town centre around ‘designing out crime’.

Mr Tipping explained that local officers would be working with the council to gate off some problem alleyways in the town centre.

He also spoke of the challenges the neighbourhood police team faces on Friday and Saturday nights. “I understand the night life can be quite lively and we talked about what they are doing and what can be done in the future around things like licencing,” said Mr Tipping, who was elected in November.

“I will be meeting with the local council in the new year to discuss what can be done.”

Then it was down to Manton, one of Bassetlaw’s most deprived areas.

The group walked around Ely Close and Hardwick Road East area.

Mr Tipping said: “There are problems there with anti-social behaviour and we looked at the state of some of the properties. It’s clear some of the housing associations need to do a bit more there.”

“I was very pleased with the visit and felt the police knew what the problems were and had plans to resolve them. I was also really pleased by the relationship between police and Bassetlaw Council.”

He added: “I know there’s a feeling that Worksop and Bassetlaw don’t get sufficient attention but I’m determined to make sure they get their fair share of resources.”

Mr Tipping also reiterated his intention to re-open the custody suite at Worksop Police Station.

“We’re still working on the figures but I’m confident we can achieve that,” he said.

In January he will publish a policing plan which sets out his policing priorities and budget for Notts Police.