Police commissioner Matthew Grove taking part in online debate on Thursday

GRIMSBY Telegraph readers are being given the opportunity to ask questions directly to Humberside's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Matthew Grove is to take part in an online debate with Telegraph editor Michelle Lalor on Thursday to discuss the crime and policing issues you want to talk about.

Since being elected to the brand new role in November, Mr Grove – who has taken over from Humberside Police Authority to oversee the force itself – has proved a controversial figure.

The new role alone, which saw several commissioners appointed throughout England, attracted criticism.

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Most recently, concerns were raised after Mr Grove appointed a deputy, on a £45,000 annual salary, against the advice of an independent panel.

On Thursday, Mr Grove will be in the newsroom from 1pm to answer your questions on our website, www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk, with the editor.

"I am looking forward to taking part in the debate," said Mr Grove.

"As Police and Crime Commissioner, I am here to listen to your views on policing and crime where you live, and set the priorities for Humberside Police in the Police and Crime Plan which I will be publishing at the end of March.

"On my first day in office in November, I visited Grimsby and spent some time with the neighbourhood policing team in the East Marsh area.

"The reason I chose to start there was not because it is an area with challenges and difficulties, but because it is an area that is rising to those challenges.

"I can honestly say that some of the best examples of community work I have seen, particularly in the voluntary sector, are happening in Grimsby.

"This will be a very busy year for me.

"As well as publishing my Police and Crime Plan, I will be appointing the new chief constable in the next few weeks, a decision which will influence how Humberside is policed over the next few years, and we also have significant challenges to face with the budget.

"I want to make Grimsby a safer place to live over the next few years, with less crime, a better police presence and easier access to the police.

"I look forward to hearing your views on how we will achieve this together."

To take part in the debate, simply log onto www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk from 1pm on Thursday and follow the editor's debate link which will be published on the homepage.