ALSAGER residents have the chance to decide what issue their police officers should tackle over the coming weeks.

Members Congleton Police's Community Action Team (CAT) carried out a public perception survey among local people.

The aim of the initiative was to find out what people felt were the most pressing issues faced by townspeople.

More than 200 survey forms were completed by residents, local businesses and visitors to the town.

In addition a so-called CATwalk was undertaken, whereby CAT officers and local volunteers toured the town, identifying areas which may be a cause for concern.

The survey and CATwalk results will be discussed at a meeting next Monday, December 6, at 7.30pm at Alsager Civic Centre.

Members of the public are invited to attend and have their say on the main policing objective for Alsager for the subsequent six weeks.

"This is a unique opportunity for residents of Alsager," said PC Mark Guildford.

"The task prioritised by the people attending the meeting will be taken as being our priority during that six-week period.

"If there is anyone out there who wants to have a say in local policing priorities this meeting is their opportunity to do just that.

"This is very much the way forward for local community policing.

"This meeting will not be a one-off, and I would envisage similar meetings taking place every six weeks."

The meeting is part on a Safer Communities Project, for which Alsager is the pilot site in Congleton borough.

iross@guardiangrp.co.uk