LIVELY debate surrounded a number of topics at Middlewich's second Community Action Meeting (CAM) but residents once again voted anti-social behaviour as their top policing priority.

Heated discussions about the Middlewich custody suite and controversial plans for a youth shelter at Fountain Fields threatened to overwhelm the CAM, which gives the community a chance to vote on the issues police can tackle.

Insp Rob Dickinson, who looks after Cheshire's three custody suites, was at the meeting to hear residents concerns about the Pochin Way facility, which included fears about people newly released from the suite having no idea how to get home and intimidating members of the community, which was a major issue when it opened in January.

He said: "We do our best and risk assess everyone who leaves but if we have no grounds to keep someone we have to let them go."

PC Mike Senior, from Middlewich CAT team, said: "If these incidents are happening no-one is telling us about it. If you know of any incidents let CAT officers know and we'll try to find solutions."

Residents also expressed anger about plans for a youth shelter, which they feel would be inappropriate in Fountain Fields, but police pointed out that they have nothing to do with the final decision.

The CAT team, which has been targeting anti-social behaviour for the nine weeks since the first CAM, reported its results and informed residents of its work, including seizing alcohol, working closely with off-licences, supermarkets and schools, funding CCTV at the Wych Centre and providing free attack alarms to reduce fear of crime.

Officers said during the past nine weeks 18 per cent of their calls have been about anti-social behaviour compared to 20 per cent in the previous nine-week period, which they see as a small step in the right direction.

During the next nine weeks, they will focus on anti-social behaviour in Sutton Lane playing fields, Wheelock Street, the three locks, Webbs Lane park and Croxton Lane picnic area.

Speaking after the CAM, Sgt Richard Line said: "We want to thank the local community for the interest it has shown and look forward to the next meeting."