The Council will also campaign for the establishment of a Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) facility in Glen Innes.

Mayor Steve Toms said the council is concerned about staffing levels at the local police station.

“Several residents have expressed concern at the breakdown of law and order in their area and have felt unsafe in their homes,” he said.

“Council resolved to write to our Local Member, the Police Commissioner and the Acting Inspector of Police requesting more Police resources be made available.

“A particular concern is that we do not have a 24 hour Police Station and many incidents seem to start once the station is closed.”

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said he has a good relationship with the Glen Innes council and will always do his best for the local community.

“I look forward to receiving those representations from the council and I will be more than happy to take them to the relevant people for review within the state government,’ he said.

The resolution to lobby for more police followed a letter sent to Councillor Jeff Smith from a concerned resident outlining a perceived spike in crime within the local area.

“Our neighbourhood is being turned into a slum,” the resident’s letter said.

“We don’t like to leave our house unattended for long because we are well aware of the consequences; most of our neighbours are elderly and fear for their safety.

“We desperately need an increased Police presence in Glen Innes to stamp out the criminal activity targeting out area.”

The resident went on to detail the crimes that have been committed in the vicinity of their residence.

“There have been a total of 11 break ins in the last six months, that we are aware of,” they said.

“Add to that a stabbing, two arrests for child pornography and a garage burned down with the back of the house set alight and this is why I think the situation is getting serious.”

Local police have been on a recruiting drive recently and have expressed a desire to increase their numbers.

Cr Toms said the addition of a PCYC was also discussed.

“Having a PCYC in Glen Innes could be a way of ensuring young people have alternative activities to keep them occupied and provide them a sense of purpose,” he said.

“Council will also lobby our State Member to encourage the establishment of a PCYC in our town.”