MAY I firstly thank my former police colleague Mr Mark Peer for his open support of me in his recent letter calling for police foot patrol from our police commissioner Martin Surl.

I am up beat in receiving Mr Peer’s support and comments as I know he is of a different political persuasion but we did work many shifts together over the years and this is where I gained such police knowledge.

I want to assure Stroud district’s residents that I took up this issue of officers on the beat on Friday when I attended the police and crime commissioner’s panel meeting at Shire hall.

I also recall that the commissioner himself offered to meet on that day when I recently challenged him on this issue of seeing police officers back on our streets.

Thank you Mr Peer for much valued support and I know I have the public’s support too.

Cllr Mark Rees

Chairman of Stroud District Council (Lab, Cainscross)