Members of the area’s Safer Neighbourhood panel accepted a proposal by Warwickshire Police allowing officers from Leamington’s Old Town to attend incidents in the Whitnash.

There have previously been problems with policing in the area, leaving the town vulnerable to crime one weekend a month when their police officer works in Leamington town centre to cover extra demand.

Members believe more police will help control the town’s youth and vandalism problems.

Recently the Acre Close playing field was vandalised with windows smashed and soft surfaces at the play area ripped up. There have also been problems with youths meeting in the area and drinking alcohol.

The new situation means that although Leamington officers will be covering the area, Whitnash officers will not be called to look after the Brunswick ward unless there is a joint issue or emergency.

The team of ten officers and police community support officers currently work in south Leamington and will be on hand to provide cover for holidays, sick leave and weekends and can be called to any major incidents in the town.

Whitnash mayor Coun David Clough is in favour of the new scheme and said: “I agree with this. I have been out with the police and that enabled me to see a different side to what they do.”

The Home Farm Crescent resident would like to see a more visible police presence in the town and added: "I would like there to be a police car in Whitnash.

"Having that would deter people from hanging out in the streets. When I went out with police, when people hanging around saw us in the car they moved on."

Panel chairman Coun Bernard Kirton said:"I recommend the panel accepts this proposal. I think having additional police officers in Whitnash can only be a good thing."

Whitnash police officer Pc Jonathan Calvert explained the changes will help tackle problems in the area and said: “I think it’s a good idea. It will mean a more visible police presence and if I am dealing with an incident at Acre Close playing fields the officers can attend with me.”