Police met with over 110 residents living and working in the Moorlands at recent community events aimed at addressing the issues that matter to them.

Throughout October, residents met local policing commander, Chief Inspector Karen Cooke, and other officers, at a series of events including: a walk and talk around the Leek area, drop-in question and answer sessions at community venues, as well as a number of online-based chats.

Some of the common themes that occurred from the engagement events were speeding traffic, anti-social behaviour in Biddulph and parking issues at local schools.

The events, launched as part of a special operation, have been held to help show the public how their local policing team will support them.

This follows the introduction of a new local policing model in June this year, aimed at bringing significant investment into the way the force responds to crime and calls to service throughout Staffordshire.

So far, this investment has enabled officers to respond quicker to emergencies; develop enhanced local knowledge in order to solve problems; have more time to investigate crimes and continue to provide a high-quality, consistent and caring service for victims.

Reflecting on the events, Chief Inspector Karen Cooke, said: "The recent 'Meet the Commander' activities were a great opportunity for members of the public to meet their local policing leaders for the Moorlands.

"Due to the success of the events, we will look to hold similar opportunities across the Moorlands at different locations including Biddulph, Cheadle and more rural villages that are included in the policing area.

"The events were an opportunity for residents to raise concerns and for us to highlight the successful implementation of the new policing model that has increased the visibility and capability of policing across the Moorlands."

Now, Chief Inspector Cooke hopes to focus on the following issues raised as part of the engagement events: increase in traffic operations, raising awareness of how to be part of community Speed Watch and consistent and regular community engagement events in more rural villages across the Moorlands area.

She added: "We will continue to evolve our understanding of crime affecting our particular communities as well as continue our work to protect those who live and work in our local areas from harm."