There has been a 93 per cent rise in recorded drug offence in Cirencester over the past year.

Despite the dramatic rise, the amount of Class A and Class B drugs in the town has remained the same as the previous 12 months.

Gloucestershire Police confirmed there has been a four per cent rise in crime in the town at the Cirencester Town Council’s annual meeting on Thursday, April 20.

Sgt Garrett Gloyn said: "I appreciate residents’ concerns about this rise in recorded drugs offences in Cirencester. I can say that the vast majority of these offences have been recorded as a result of Police Officers finding people with drugs and taking positive action within the criminal justice system to address that offence.

"As part of our Neighbourhood Promise the Neighbourhood Policing Team, in particular the town beat manager PC Stewart Liddle-Peters, has recently been freed up from other commitments and afforded the opportunity to address drugs offending in the town.

"Sticking my neck out, I believe there are no more controlled drugs in Cirencester than there were twelve months ago.

"The team are just better able to target the problem. Drugs warrants, seizures and arrests are being conducted and a number of possession and supply prosecutions are in the pipeline."