Wiltshire MP's hear local police concerns. (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Wiltshire MP's hear local police concerns.

WILTSHIRE MPs met 70 of the county's police officers at Westminster to hear their concerns.

Police Federation members turned out in strength to support the national lobby of members of parliament.

The local group met Dr Andrew Murrison (West Wiltshire), James Gray (North Wiltshire) Michael Ancram (Kennet) and Julia Drown from Swindon.

The latter, as the only Labour representative, was questioned closely by the officers who are worried about their terms and conditions of work, a lack of consultation over pay, and fears over the introduction of community support officers - already dubbed the 'pseudo police'.

Mr Ancram raised a cheer from the delegation when he asked about the additional paper work that will now be expected in connection with stop and search legislation.

Dr Murrison said: "It was a very successful day from their point of view. I have not seen such a lobby since the European Currency was on the agenda."

"A lot of attention focused on Julia Drown and the officers were pleading with her to ask the Home Secretary to see sense over their concerns."

The demonstration and rally followed the recent Police Federation ballot in which police overwhelmingly rejected the proposals for changes to pay and conditions of service.

In Wiltshire there was an 87 per cent vote against and nationally it was 91 percent.

The Federation makes the point that many others would have attended the London lobby if they had not been on duty.

A spokesman said many applied for time off or annual leave but were turned down because of the need to ensure adequate staffing levels.

Phil Davenport, Wiltshire joint branch board chairman, said: "The initial rejection of the proposals by officers was not an end to the matter. "It was in fact a beginning.

"We now intend to highlight the depth of feeling across the force at the way we are being treated by the Home Office."