CALLS have been made for a stronger police presence in a town.

More officers should be visible in the community in Dalton, community figures in the area have said.

Their calls were relayed to community inspector Jim Bailey at a recent Dalton Town Council subsidiary meeting.

Councillors complained to Insp Bailey that officers were no longer seen at the police office at Dalton Community Centre.

Following the meeting the officer said he would encourage more community police to go up to Dalton having clocked on to their shifts at Barrow Police station.

Dalton mayor Nick Perie said: "Dalton is not a dangerous place with lots of crime but it would make people safer to see police on patrol in the town."

Dalton south councillor Wendy Maddox echoed his calls.

Mrs Maddox said: "We haven't seen anyone in the police office at the Drill Hall.

"We don't live in an area with lots of crime and are told that police want to prioritise areas like Barrow Island and Ormsgill but we want to see them up here.

"If you want to report something you have to spend a long time on hold to 101 because there is no-one at the police office."

Insp Bailey said: "I will encourage more officers to get to Dalton. We are also taking the park very seriously because people are concerned about anti-social behaviour there."

The inspector added: "We'll absolutely try to get more officers visible on the streets but we can't promise anything at this stage."