AFTER Brexit, law and order is the biggest concern that my constituents contact me about.

In recent months, there has been an increase in the number of local people telling me that there has been an increase in crime, including both anti-social behaviour and violent incidents.

As your MP, it’s my role to represent your concerns in Westminster and around the constituency to our local leadership.

Last year, I ran a crime survey to find out more about the concerns constituents have and I also regularly keep up to date when I’m canvassing, hosting public meetings and also through my emails and social media.

After hearing your concerns, I met with the Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service and also urged the Government to increase police funding for our towns.

I was pleased the Government listened and in last year’s budget, it was announced that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will receive an additional £34.7million.

It is now important this funding gets directed to the areas that need it most.

This is why I have urged the Greater Manchester mayor, in his role of Police and Crime Commissioner, to ensure Atherton, and the local area, gets its fair share of this funding in light of the recent increases in crime.

Keeping in regular contact with our police is also an important part of my role.

In a recent meeting with police, I raised your concerns about the increase in crime and emphasised the need for a greater police presence in our community.

The primary role of our police is to deter crime, rather than picking up the pieces once crimes have been committed.

I believe greater neighbourhood policing presence plays a vital role in crime deterrence and will also mean people feel safer on their streets.

However, this is only part of the problem.

We must recognise the broader role that our justice system plays in deterring criminal activity.

It is my view longer sentences will not only punish those who commit crimes but deter others from doing the same.

Longer sentencing also provides greater opportunity for rehabilitation during a criminal’s time in prison.

On a recent visit to Hindley Prison, it was positive to learn about Osco Homes’ construction training scheme.

Schemes like this help to provide criminals with the necessary skills to find work when they leave prison, reducing their likelihood of reoffending.

Despite this, more still needs to be done to prevent crime.

Although the Government’s funding increase for GMP is a step in the right direction, we now must see an increased police presence on our streets in order to deter crime.

This is why I will continue to urge the Police and Crime Commissioner to allocate Atherton its fair share of this funding, so people can see an improved policing presence and can feel safer.