THE Leominster Rural Local Policing Team has introduced special postboxes to allow residents to raise areas of concern by filling in a simple postcard survey.

The postboxes are the latest part of the Partners And Communities Together (PACT) programme, which aims to give local people a greater say in how their area is policed, allowing them to set priorities for officers and partner agencies to tackle.

Residents in the area - which covers villages to the north of Leominster, such as Kinglsand, Orleton, Wigmore, Kimbolton and Leintwardine - have already been able to have a direct input by attending Community Forum meetings in November and February, and the new postcard surveys will extend that further to provide an ongoing means of communication.

The new PACT Information Points feature the contact details for the Leominster Rural Local Policing Team of PC Andy Varden and Community Support Officer Alison Williams, plus details of the current priorities for the local area raised through the regular Community Forum meetings.

The postcard surveys themselves can be filled in at the PACT Information Points or be taken home to complete and popped in the post - with no cost for postage.

"We have had the PACT Postboxes out in the area for a few weeks and they are already having a positive impact, with postcard surveys starting to come through," explained PC Varden.

"The postcards are quick and easy to complete and can be filled in anonymously if people prefer. The PACT Information Points are all located at easily accessible venues across the Leominster Rural area and the postboxes are regularly monitored, so that issues can be picked up quickly.

"The Local Policing Team is committed to working with partners such as Herefordshire Council to find ways to improve communities and respond to the priorities of residents - but it's up to the local people to let us know what needs to be done."

The PACT Information Points can be found at Kingsland Post Office and General Stores, Orelton Post Office, CG Stores in Wigmore and Griffiths Garage at Leintwardine.

Anyone wanting to contact PC Varden or CSO Williams directly to discuss issues can telephone 01432 346720 or email leominsterrural.lpt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk.

The next Community Forum/PACT meeting for the Leominster/Leominster Rural area takes place at 7pm in Green Lane Methodist Church, Leominster on Thursday, June 14. Everyone who lives, works or visits the area and wants to raise issues is welcome to attend, with refreshments provided.