“WE need a Government that cares about police”... that was the message from Ilminster’s beat manager to councillors last week.

PC Andy Stuart submitted a report to Ilminster Town Council before facing questions about issues in the town.

He was asked about his staffing levels and incidents of racial abuse in the town in the same week Home Secretary Theresa May warned the Police Federation to prepare for more cuts.

He said he is the ‘Ilminster Beat Team’ until the end of May when he hopes two PCSOs return from absence.

Cllr Don Kinder asked: “A lot of incidents of drinking on the rec are having a bad effect on a lot of people. I know you can’t always have someone down there at the right times, but what, if anything, could you do about it?”

PC Stuart said: “We need to elect a new government that is pro-police and employs more officers. I’m sorry, I don’t mean to get political, but that’s how it is.”

Last week, Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Com - missioner Sue Mountstevens said: “I’ll do everything in my power to make sure local beat teams are protected.

“We’ve already lost 50 per cent of officers since 2010. And after the upcoming review it’s clear we’re going to have to make more cuts.”

Mrs May told the Police Federation annual conference: “I know there are those who say there’s no more waste to cut, but I simply don’t accept that.

“It’s perfectly possible to make savings without affecting the quality of neighbourhood policing.”