AN independent councillor told a meeting that ‘residents don’t want excuses’ after Reform appeared to distance themselves from a campaign pledge which promised more community safety officers on the town’s streets.

At last week’s full council meeting, Worsbrough councillor Jake Lodge asked when residents should expect to see an increase in community safety officers following a key pledge they made during the campaign.

Responding, the new cabinet spokesperson for environment, transport and communities Coun Paul Kelly stated more time is needed.

He said: “While overall levels of reported antisocial behaviour in Barnsley remain comparatively low than in other neighbouring South Yorkshire areas, we fully recognise the very real impact antisocial behaviour on people and their communities across the borough.

“We are committed to building on existing work to keep our communities safe and supported and this is one of the areas that I will be working on with officers going forward.

“We will be looking at it intensely.”

In response, Councillor Lodge asked whether or not the Reform council would be creating more roles.

“Residents don’t want excuses,” he said.

“Residents living in fear don’t want excuses.

“They want to know when more community safety officers will be on the ground in Barnsley delivering effective change.”

Coun Kelly replied: “I find a lot of our residents are voluntary community officers and they do willingly come forward and supply evidence where required.

“I’m looking forward to working with residents to achieve the outcome we all want - less antisocial behaviour.”

After the meeting, Coun Lodge told the Chronicle that the claims made in the meeting contradict what Reform said during their campaign.

He said: “Prior to taking office, Reform had the opportunity to review the council’s finances, assess existing resources, and examine publicly available data from South Yorkshire Police and Barnsley Council with a plan ready to implement.

“It appears in this case that hasn’t happened, despite claims that Barnsley has ‘unsafe streets and rampant crime’ and that they would recruit more community officers.

“The statement made in full council appears to contradict those initial claims during the election, with suggestions in full council that antisocial behaviour reports are low, which fail to reflect the reality experienced by many residents.

“Residents in my own Ward continue to report feeling unsafe, with some saying they are living in fear due to persistent antisocial behaviour.

“Many I speak to believe low reporting figures may themselves be a symptom of the problem with not enough officers available to receive reports and investigate incidents.

“I want to see this promise delivered, residents should not have to feel unsafe in their own community.”