Police defend record in west Sunderland after claims area treated like 'poor relation'

City councillors have raised concerns about the approach of Northumbria Police after it once again failed to send a representative to the West Area Committee.

A written report was submitted instead, but officers have defended themselves after pointing out they regularly update members of the panel outside formal meetings.

“I think the report is thin, if you look at the distance between meetings,” said Phil Tye, city councillor for Silksworth.

“Without being too cynical, we’re being treated like the poor relation in the city when it comes to police attendance at the area committee.”

He added: “We expect more in the west, we’re one of the biggest areas, we’ve got some of the biggest issues and we should be getting more.”

Cllr Tye was speaking at a meeting of the West Area Committee, which was held by videolink and broadcast via YouTube.

It marked the sixth consecutive meeting of the panel without a police officer present.

The last time an officer attended was more than a year and a half ago, on June 12, 2019, when Inspector Marie Pollock updated the panel on efforts to tackle nuisance riders in Wearside.

Cllr Tye also claimed the city’s other area committees, which are supposed to help coordinate the work of Sunderland City Council, charities and the emergency services, among others, received more regular and more detailed reports from the force.

But Northumbria Police has insisted it attends such meetings ‘if appropriate and where possible’ and added councillors are encouraged to contact officers directly over concerns.

A spokesman said: “We are extremely disappointed by the comments made by the respective councillors.

“Councillors in this particular Area Committee meeting have also been offered additional virtual catch-ups with the neighbourhood Inspector to discuss current trends, crime updates and any areas of concern.

“It is therefore disappointing that those individuals have not raised their concerns earlier with the officers so we could address them directly.

“However, we acknowledge the comments made and will endeavour to speak to those concerned to discuss the issue further.”

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