A REFERENDUM has been promised to Bushey residents in a bid to find out whether they want to see beat bobbies back on the streets.

Hertsmere Borough Council says it plans to work alongside local police to provide more patrols for each area across the borough.

Leader of Hertsmere borough council Stuart Nagler said: 'We have a wonderful police force but their resources are over-stretched as it is.

'We recognise bobbies on the beat may seem like policing of yesteryear and so do not rank highly on police authorities' new agendas. But they matter to our residents.

'There is too much fear of crime. It is terribly sad we live in a society where the elderly are scared to go out, parents are wary of allowing their children out to play, and many women feel unsafe on our streets.

'People should be able to go about their business, whatever background they come from.

'We welcome Hertfordshire Constabulary's pledge to serve our borough but we would like to see viable action against crime in the community.'

Councillor Nagler stressed the importance of having a local policeman walking the beat would help ally many of those fears residents have and could act as a deterrent to trouble-makers.

He added: 'I want residents across all parts of the borough - from Bushey to Radlett - to know that, in Hertsmere, we take crime-fighting seriously.

'If there is not enough money in the police authorities' coffers to pay for bobbies on the beat, we will find it.'

On Saturday, April 1, policing in the borough of Hertsmere was offically handed over from the Metropolitan Police to Hertfordshire Constabulary, due to the changes in police boundaries to put the whole of the county under its jurisdiction.

At a meeting of Hertsmere borough council on Wednesday, April 12, in Borehamwood, councillors from all parties unanimously supported the proposal for more beat bobbies within the borough.

Councillor Ms Lynne Hodgson said: 'I was really shocked by the crime figures in the borough this year - they were quite appalling.

'Since Hertfordshire Constabulary is considered third best in the country, we should give it the benefit of the doubt to see if crime is decreased under its policies.

'I do believe it is important to have patrols on the streets, as it is reassuring to everyone.'

The initial cost estimated per average household to secure a local policeman throughout the borough is 20p a week.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: '...'

Aldenham parish councillors favoured the proposal, especially in view of the fact Radlett Police Station is under threat of being closed to public enquiries, thereby taking local officers away from interacting directly with the community.

At an Aldenham Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, Councillor Ron Worthy said: 'I think this is a good idea because the public needs to feel secure day and night, and, if paying for a bobby can guarantee that, it is worth considering this proposal.'

Hertsmere borough council plans to hold the referendum soon after the local elections on Thursday.