THE deputy police and crime commissioner for Dyfed Powys was the guest speaker at an open meeting of Fishguard and District Soroptimists on Tuesday, April 1.

Tim Burton addressed a packed audience at the Fishguard Bay Hotel, speaking openly about the work of the commissioner, Christopher Salmon, and the challenges he faced during his first year in office.

Tim invited questions, promising to stay until the last was asked and addressed. This resulted in an extensive discussion covering a wide range of concerns and issues.

The size and rurality of our ‘patch’ and the difficulties involved in managing and resolving socially unacceptable behaviours were key factors.

A spokesman for the soroptimists said: “We were impressed by the imaginative way some of these have already been addressed and reassured by the obvious intention to keep working towards further successful outcomes. It was clear that Tim’s business background and entrepreneurial trouble-shooting skills have been significant factors in this positive proactive approach.

"It was good to hear that police visibility, and increasing the number of police officers on the job in the community is not just high on the agenda, but is already being actioned with 30 new police officers under training and ready to be deployed across our area."

The soroptimists are looking forward to further opportunities to meet with Tim to discuss concerns and issues, and help him develop further strategies which could have a positive impact on the local area.