Warwick residents put their concerns to MPs during a parish council meeting held recently.

High on their list of requests was to see a faster Police response to crime, more playgrounds for kids and speed bumps to slow reckless drivers – Warwick North Central MP Elvin James promised to take the concerns to Cabinet.

Most residents who showed up for the Monday night meeting agreed a greater Police presence in the parish was necessary.

Said one resident said: "We have troublemakers who ride up and down and cause disturbances and when you call Police they take 45 minutes to arrive and the troublemakers are gone by then."

Delinquents posed another problem according to a second resident who suggested an actual Police station could prove the answer to some of their needs.

"People sit down by Haywards, The Bowl and the gas station causing trouble and sometimes people are afraid to go into the stores, which can hamper business.

"We had a Police substation in the past and it wasn't manned properly, sometimes you went by there and there was no one in there, that's why it didn't work out. We need a Police station with available officers to man it."

After hearing many residents say a playground would be a real boost to the area, Mr. James confided Government is already looking to create one near Lorraine's Rest Home.

"Judy Welch is trying to develop a whole field, basketball court, playground, etc., in that area, so your concerns are heard and we are working on it," the Education Minister stated.

However one resident was quick to point out that without a constant Police presence, any new playground would soon be destroyed by troublemakers.

He said: "Guys ride around in circles on the playground near my house for hours and they don't care who they are disturbing.

"They use the park at night for drug use, fornication and scrambling bikes. The other night there was six bikes circling the field every five seconds.

"The areas have to be controlled and policed properly. When you call Police they take forever to come and when they get there the guys are gone. There is just not enough policing for that."

Reckless riding and driving around dangerous corners in residential neighbourhoods also pose a problem to residents.

Said one: "I live in Hillview and there is constant speeding up and down by bikes and cars. It is only going to be a matter of time before a child is seriously hurt."

She requested speed bumps be built to slow motorists.

"I understand your concerns and I have experienced this as well," said the Minister adding he had often noted such driving while cavassing before the election. "Unfortunately the Government cannot do anything about the speed bumps as it is a private road.

"If people in your neighbourhood want speed bumps, then you all would have to get together and agree on it before anything is done."

A resolution to at least one of their problems is already in play, a Warwick council member added: "We have started a system called Problem-orientated Policing.

"Residents are advised to take the names and the telephone numbers and note every little thing you see that is a problem.

"For example, if you see someone speeding in the neighbourhood, take down their licence, colour of bike and what they look like and the time of day.

"We need you to be our eyes and ears to help solve the problem in the Warwick area."