Police officers funded by Hammersmith & Fulham have responded to almost 500 emergency calls since receiving extra council support.

The figures are for the past eight weeks, when the local authority paid for eight new police officers in the borough after securing funding by re-negotiating contracts with property developers bringing the total number of council-funded officers to 44.

As well as responding to emergencies and tackling crime and antisocial behaviour, the new officers, who are employed as regular members of the Met Police force, have been out and about meeting with residents to understand local priorities.

“The new council-funded officers are working with residents to take on the issues that affect them most and are a visible presence on our streets to deter crime,” said Cllr Sue Fennimore, cabinet member for social inclusion.

“We pledged to provide these extra officers, so we are delighted they are already hard at work making a real difference.”

The council-funded force now has 41 constables, two sergeants and an inspector.

It includes eight neighbourhood police constables, who will work very closely with their communities in partnership with neighbourhood watch schemes, schools and residents’ associations to tackle issues such as gangs, re-offending and domestic abuse.