BEXLEY police officers carry one of the heaviest workloads of cases in outer London.

As a result their clear-up rate is also poorer than in other similar outer London boroughs.

Figures showing the state of policing in the borough were presented to the chairman of the Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) Lord Toby Harris at a top level meeting in Bexley last week.

Bexleyheath MP Nigel Beard, GLA members Bob Neill, senior police officers and representatives of other organisations joined council leader Councillor Mike Slaughter and council officers in the meeting, and pressed for more officers for the borough.

Lord Harris is touring London boroughs at the moment.

Figures show police in places like Sutton have an average workload of 51.6 cases, compared to Bexley's 64.2 and a clear-up rate in Sutton of 19 per cent compared to Bexley's 12.6 per cent.

"We made it clear we are very unhappy with the level of resources available to the local commander," said Cllr Slaughter.

"We are pleased we have had the opportunity to discuss the issues with Lord Harris. Now we need action to show he and his colleagues understand the strength of local feeling.

"We have been involved in a long campaign; we have massive public support and we know our argument is a strong one."

November 6, 2001 12:30