A YEAR ago the public of Gwent voted Ian Johnston in as Police and Crime Commissioner.

His role is to give direction and guidance to Gwent Police by being the eyes and ears of the public.

Therefore it is pleasing to see that the Wales Audit Office have published their report into the Commissioner’s Office that shows there has been a significant increase in public contact and a range of successful methods of interacting with the public since his appointment.

Praise is due here.

It is a sad that several senior politicians of Gwent continue to personally attack Mr Johnston in the media virtually on everything he does.

I agree that is their duty to hold such bodies, as the Commissioner’s Office, to account and long may that continue, but there are other public bodies out there that seem to escape their scrutiny.

Is it not time for everybody to support the Commissioner’s Office to help give the people of Gwent the police service they deserve.

Let’s leave political positioning until nearer the next PCC election.

Michael Johnson Denbigh Close Blackwood