Fear of crime is on the rise and can “blight people’s lives”, a Merton councillor has warned.

Peter Southgate spoke during the release of a review into the problem by the council's overview and scrutiny commission.

He said fear of crime is rising in Merton - despite a generally falling crime rate in the borough, which statistics suggest is the fourth safest in London.

A recent council survey found 43 per cent of residents gave crime as their top concern.

Coun Southgate, who led the review, said: “Although this lower than the London-wide average, it is still high enough to suggest that many of our residents are adversely affected by the fear of crime, which is preventing them from leading happy and fulfilled lives.”

The review makes 16 recommendations of how the council can help reduce fear.

These include better communication with residents and encouraging community initiatives that tackle crime.

The regeneration of town centres, improved street lighting and creating a safer environment on public transport are also suggested.

While preparing the report, the authors interviewed a range of experts and residents - including police officers, council workers, college students and older people.

Coun Southgate warned there was “no silver bullet” to solve the problem, but said an important first step was to tell residents about crime reduction schemes and strategies already in place.

He said: “Fear saps people’s self confidence and stops them doing the things they want to do.

"But it’s something we can do something about.

"People are not fearful of being murdered on the streets - it is low level antisocial behaviour.”

For more information about the review call 020 8545 3390.

• Get the latest crime figures in our Local Information section