GWENT Police have defended their handling of the reported prostitution problem in Pill, saying they are working with the community to resolve the problem.

Concerns have been raised this week by residents, groups and councillors regarding a reported increase in open solicitation in the area “at all times of day”.

As reported in yesterday’s Argus, the Pill Bank Lane neighbourhood watch group are planning to hold a hustings to quiz councillors and Gwent Police on the effectiveness of their monitoring operations.

But the force are keen to demonstrate their “proactive” work within Pill, highlighting the support work they have carried out in the community in recent weeks.

Superintendent Glyn Fernquest said:”I think it is important to recognise that we are concentrating our efforts on working with local people in Pill to tackle the issues and concerns they raise.

“We are seeking to understand the specific issues of prostitution and recognise that the issue is highly emotive and often polarises public opinion.”

Several police operations have been launched in recent weeks to support those involved in prostitution in a bid to change their lifestyles and divert them away from sex work.

These schemes have been conducted alongside the Women’s Pathfinder Scheme and South West Wales Regional Equality Council.

During the operations agency staff accompanied officers on patrol, talking to sex workers, and offering health checks, education and safeguarding advice.

Supt Fernquest said: “We want to balance our response to ensure that we deal with the impact of prostitution which is felt by the people living and working in the area but equally recognise that we need to protect the women who are putting themselves at risk through street prostitution.

“We hope that through working with partners and members of the community that together we can make it a safer place.”