POLICE officers in Stourport are being put in danger when dealing with crime as there are not enough of them, it has been claimed.

June Salter, Wyre Forest district councillor for Mitton, hailed the town's officers as "smashing" - but fears for their safety when tackling criminals as back-up might not be available.

Kidderminster Police say more officers are due to hit the streets in "the next few mon-ths".

Mrs Salter said she had recently been inundated with complaints including reports of vandalism and unruly youths.

"It's gradually getting worse - there are no bobbies being seen on the beat. A lot of people don't bother reporting crime anymore," she added.

She said the police presence in Stourport was half what it should be and that the few officers based there are being stretched to the limit, with the town's police station rarely open.

"It is just not fair to the police. We have got smashing officers who work their socks off. But we need more of them," Mrs Salter added.

"Four businesses are talking about moving off the Sandy Lane industrial estate as the crime problem has got so bad down there.

"I wouldn't have a word said against the officers. But as it is now, if one gets into difficulty then he could be in serious trouble by the time back-up gets there from Kidderminster."

A police spokeswoman said the national shortage of officers was reflected in Stour-port and the force was "actively rec-ruiting and training officers who will be coming on-line in the next few months".

"The officers based in Stourport are there to carry out local duties. When it comes to emergency situations we cover the division as a whole and officers will be deployed as and when needed," she added.