POLICE and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Clare Moody took part with town councillors and MP Rachel Gilmour in a walkabout tour of Watchet.

It was an opportunity to discuss safety challenges in Watchet and look more closely at how the town could be better served if CCTV systems were repaired or updated.

Watchet’s CCTV is owned by Somerset Council, which said it will no longer finance the upkeep and monitoring as it faces potential bankruptcy with a budget shortfall of nearly £90 million.

Town clerk Jo Grellier said councillors were considering investing in security measures and were keen to hear the thoughts of PCC Clare Moody and gain support.

The town walkabout also involved Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor, asset management committee chairman Cllr John Irven, and Ms Grellier.

Ms Moody was also keen to visit the site of Avon and Somerset Constabulary's smallest operational police post, the newly named Watchet Harbour Police Post building, on the Esplanade.

The town council and the constabulary recently reached an agreement to continue the building’s use as an occasional police post.

The building is owned by the town council, which also uses it for storage and when managing community events on the Esplanade.

The agreement will see the council maintain and service the property and make it available for use by the neighbourhood policing team when a presence is necessary in Watchet, such as when officers attend a local need or a community event.

Cllr Whetlor said: “It was really good to have Clare Moody here visiting the town and looking specifically at the CCTV and the police post.

“Her comments were supportive of what we are trying to do in the town.

“We look forward to a continuing collaboration between us.”

Cllr Irven said: “The council greatly value the partnership working with our local force, and maintaining such a local presence is very important for, and builds confidence within, our community.

“We are very grateful for the continued commitment of Avon and Somerset Police to provide this local presence and the ability to also maintain one of Watchet’s little heritage treasures within our conservation area.”

Ms Moody said: “This is about listening and learning from communities, gaining insights from the people bringing and sharing their expertise, so that we can make a difference to West Somerset.”

Mrs Gilmour said: “I was delighted to be able to welcome Clare Moody to my constituency, and to discuss the issues at the heart of people’s concerns in West Somerset.

“We spent a good afternoon speaking to local leaders, hearing about their concerns, and trying to offer solutions where we believe we can help.”

Ms Grellier said: “Watchet Town Council are delighted to be working closely with our PCC and MP and we very much welcome their support.

“There is much value in building good relationships and hope that with the support of our leaders, we can put Watchet back on the map as a safe and wonderful destination for those who reside here and those who visit.”