SOUTH Staffordshire residents will find it easier to hold local police commanders to account this year.

New independent panels, set up by Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis, will come into force in February.

As a result, local residents, councillors and magistrates will be able to meet regularly with their area's local police commander.

They will be able to scrutinise work done by local police, give feedback to their community and examine the impact of community resolutions and restorative justice.

Mr Ellis said: "It will mean local people will play a part in holding all responsible for policing their area to account.

"The panels will act as a sounding board for how policing works and make communities better connected than at any time before."

The panels will be co-ordinated by local councils and operate according to local needs.

Kinver county councillor Brian Edwards, who is leader of South Staffordshire Council, welcomed the introduction of the scheme, adding: "It's an important part of ensuring local police are transparent, accountable and having a real impact locally.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how these panels can really make a difference to local policing."