Leicestershire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Rupert Matthews, worked with officers and local Councillors Craig Smith and Andrew Woodman to try and resolve anti-social behaviour and drug dealing in the Coalville area this summer.

Attention was focused on the disused colliery railway, now a public footpath, Oliver's Path.

Councillors Smith and Woodman met Mr Matthews to ask what can be done about the ASB and drug dealing. 

Residents had been calling for action, but said the council closing the gates at 6pm simply restricted law-abiding residents' use of the path, not criminal behaviour.

Mr Matthews responded by getting in touch with the local beat commander and examining possible solutions.

The outgoing Insp Muldoon and his team installed 'Way Markers' near Oliver's Path, which monitor how frequently dedicated neighbourhood and neighbourhood policing officers patrol an area.

'Way Markers' encourage increased attendance to the site, and councillors are kept fully up-to-date about any developments. 

Police had been working with the council to get the path fully re-opened.

Their local knowledge and co-operation was invaluable

Mr Matthews was happy to receive news that operation bodyguard had yielded a number of success stories in the area, including possession charges, multiple warrants, and closure orders on an address.

"Their local knowledge and co-operation was invaluable. 

The Commissioner said: "I am so thankful for Councillors Smith and Woodman for bringing this to my attention.

"Only by communicating with partners and the police can we begin to solve the problems that blight our communities and worsen people's quality of life. 

"It's not entirely solved, but I am reassured that the Councillors are in regular contact with officers and that Coalville is taking serious and appropriate action that has already begun to show results.

"My thanks to the local officers, Insp Muldoon and Sgt Ludlam, for their involvement and rapid responses.

"If we are to ensure effective policing in Coalville, people must report crimes via 101."