A NEW police beat office has been opened in Stogursey to give residents easier access to local officers.

The new office has been set up in a room within the village's youth club following a suggestion by members of the Victory Hall committee.

The office is open for two hours every day, including the weekends, for the public to meet members of their local police beat team and to raise concerns, report low-level crime and anti-social behaviour and obtain for crime prevention and personal safety advice.

Opening times vary day-to-day but are advertised in the village.

PC David Masters was handed the keys of the new office by Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Lady Gass, who is also an honorary trustee of the Victory Hall.

Stogursey Parish Council chairman Cllr Alan Searle welcomed the new initiative while Victory Hall committee chairman Ron Dyer said the community would do all it could to support the local police team.

Police chief inspector Ian Norrie said the new office was precisely what community policing was all about: "Having officers with local knowledge, who are accessible to residents and who are able to deal with local issues quickly and efficiently."

Mr Masters added: "We want the residents of Stogursey and the surrounding villages to know when and where they can speak to a member of their beat team.

"This facility, kindly offered by the village hall committee, suits our needs perfectly.

"It is within walking distance of the village and being within the youth club it will also allow us to work with young people who have been extremely welcoming."

He said the beat office had already been well attended since its opening and had been instrumental in the formation of a Stogursey youth committee, which gives local young people a platform to express their opinions and raise issues with local residents, the parish council and police.

They have also initiated a project to look at improving services, facilities and play areas for children in and around the area.

More information about the beat office is available from Mr Masters on 07766 804478 or police community support officer Susan Marks on 07920 477014.