AN AXMINSTER town councillor has criticised razzamatazz police officers on the force. But Cllr John Jeffery praised Pc Darren Herridge and PCSO Andy Trott, comparing them to the town s sheriffs.

AN AXMINSTER town councillor has criticised 'razzamatazz' police officers on the force.

But Cllr John Jeffery praised Pc Darren Herridge and PCSO Andy Trott, comparing them to the town's sheriffs.

Cllr Jeffery pointed out the disparities between officers' attitudes during the monthly meeting on Monday (November 9), at which Inspector Antonia Weekes was a guest speaker.

He said: "Darren Herridge and Trotty [PCSO Trott] are both highly respected, so much that Muddlemore [Middlemore police head office], as I call it, desperately needs more of them.

"Darren is probably one of the best officers to diffuse any situation - the rest of the razzamatazz fuse it up."

Mayor Ron Jones added: "For this town council, the police does us proud."

Ms Weekes said neighbourhood policing was beneficial.

She told the town council that crime was down because police staffing levels were at an all time high at the town's station.

She said: "Your local policing team is very much in place now, with a sergeant, two Pcs and two PCSOs."

According to police figures, 16 crimes were reported last month compared to 23 for the same period last year. And detection rate stood at six, in comparison to none for the previous year.