EVERY ward in Ealing and indeed any other London Borough should have a local Police Panel.

It is part of the commitment of the Metropolitan Police to Community Policing.

Southfield Liberal Democrat Ward Councillors have always supported the Police Panel, and as a ward councillor I have always seen it as providing an important link between residents and the local Police.

Like any organisation its effectiveness depends upon the members, and currently the Southfield Panel needs new volunteers.

Meetings are held four times a year, usually with the Ward Sergeant, often with a representative of the Council's Safer Community Team.

In addition, Ward Councillors are usually in attendance.

The Police give information on local crime statistics and provide feedback on issues that are raised.

The volunteers contribute local knowledge and highlight concerns.

Importantly the volunteers can set the priorities for the local police - it may be the need to patrol particular roads or respond to anti-social behaviour.

A public meeting was held to highlight cyber-crime is a good example of the police providing information on new criminal trends that need greater understanding.

Southfield Ward has one of the lowest levels of crime in Ealing.

The record of the local Police Panel working with the police contributes to that success story.

Any resident can become a member.

If you are interested, please get in touch with your local ward team or contact myself through email at [email protected]

*This article is part of the weekly column provided to Ealing Nub News by the leader of the Ealing Liberal Democrats, Councillor Gary Malcolm (in this instance written by Cllr Andrew Steed).

• The leaders of the other two main Ealing parties (Labour and Conservatives) have also been offered that opportunity, but so far have chosen not to take it.