POLICE are being told to get more bobbies on the beat by their leading authority.

The demand was made by the Avon and Somerset Police Authority, an independent body that monitors the local force.

The Police Authority recently issued its annual policing plan, listing the ways it wants to see Avon and Somerset Police improve its performance.

The authority, which is made up of councillors, magistrates and independent members, also sets the budget for the Avon and Somerset Constabulary including raising local council taxes.

In its plan, for the next 12 months, the Police Authority said it wants to see an increase in visibility and contact with communities, a reduction in crime, an increase in the proportion of crimes where offenders are brought to justice, a more effective use of resources and an improvement in the quality of service.

Dr Moira Hamlin, chairman of the Police Authority, said the committee wanted the force to build on the successes of previous years.

She said: "The Police Authority has worked hard with the Constabulary to produce the plan, which we feel is challenging but still attainable.

"The force has made great improvements this year with a reduction in the number of crimes by almost 16,000, and an eight per cent increase in the number of offences brought to justice, an extra 2,600.

"There has also been steady improvement in customer satisfaction levels, which is a big focus of the Police Authority as it works hard to ensure the communities of Avon and Somerset feel safe.

"Authority members will continue to work closely with the Constabulary over the coming year to monitor the progress made to try and ensure these results are delivered."

A summary of the policing plan is available on the Police Authority's website in the documents section at www.aspola.org.uk.