A MIDDLEWICH man, who has been campaigning for better policing in the town, dialled 999 at the weekend - and was put through to emergency services in Newcastle.

Bill Blunn, chairman of Newton Residents' Association, rang police at around 12.45am on Sunday, August 13 to report a group of rowdy youths.

But to his amazement he was put through to a control room in Newcastle to give his details.

"I am absolutely livid. Being put through to Chester is bad enough, but this is ridiculous," said Mr Blunn.

"The officer I was put through to said, 'this is control room in Newcastle'. He then took the details and said he would get in touch with my local police."

When one of the youths began vomiting in his garden, Mr Blunn went out himself to tell them to leave.

"Fortunately I was able to get rid of them myself, but what happens if there is a real danger?" he said.

"My wife and I could have been lying dead and nobody came and knocked at the door. If the police cannot do the job, I will do it myself."

A spokesman for the police said that calls are directed by BT which has a number of regional call centres.

If lines are busy a call will be directed to where it can be answered. He added that a patrol car had attended the incident.

Mr Blunn said: "I am very unhappy and have been in touch with local police who have said they will look into it and come to see me."

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