SHOPPERS have been raising problems in their neighbourhood with Staffordshire Police's chief constable.

Mike Cunningham was at Morrison's in Newcastle yesterday, talking to people as they visited the store for their weekly shop.

His appearance was part of a drive to make the police more accessible and to find out which issues were worrying residents most.

Mr Cunningham said: "Sometimes, people want to speak to police officers, or a member of police staff but they don't want to go into a police station, or they don't think it's worth ringing us up.

"This is about us being where the people are, so we can speak to them about community safety. We have got to get out of police stations and police cars and talk to people."

Mr Cunningham said he would be visiting locations all over Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to gain a better understanding of local issues.

He said: "Most people I have spoken to have said they live in an area that is pretty safe. The issues that affect people negatively are not big crimes – it is things like anti-social behaviour."

Inspector Neil Hulme, Newcastle neighbourhood policing unit commander, was also at the Morrison's store on Tuesday and yesterday and will be there every day until Saturday.

He said: "There has been a really good spread of issues being raised. Some people are worried about speeding vehicles while others have been having problems with anti-social behaviour."

On Tuesday, officers recorded the details of about 40 people who had issues in their community. And the police will be getting back in touch with them to let them know what action, if any, they will be taking. A similar number raised concerns with the police yesterday.

Pensioners Margaret and Stan Berry, from Meir Heath, stopped to speak to Mr Cunningham after finishing their shopping.

Mrs Berry, aged 83, said it was nice to see the police out speaking to the public.

"People have all sorts of problems, but sometimes they don't let on to the police. You don't see police on the street any more. In the past, you felt safe as you felt there was someone you could run to, so it's good that people are getting the chance to talk to the police face-to-face."

Her husband, aged 87, said: "People will open up more at a supermarket than at an official event."

June Walklate, aged 61, of Barracks Road, Newcastle, spoke to police about issues with loud noise spilling out from late-night venues near where she lives.

She said: "I am not against young people going out to have a good time, but a lot of the pubs leave their doors open while people are having a fag outside."

Masters student Hana Zobacova raised problems with speeding motorists and anti-social behaviour where she lives in Holdcroft Road, Bucknall.

The 25-year-old said: "The kids have nowhere to go and play so all the kids just play in the street. There are no speed bumps so cars drive down really fast and there have been all sorts of accidents."