THE new Chief Constable of West Mercia says he is committed to a visible Police presence in Herefordshire's market towns.

Paul West, who took over as the area's most senior police officer on August 1, visited Ledbury and Bromyard yesterday morning (Thursday) to discuss policing requirements with local officers.

Mr West, the former Deputy Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, said: "I'm very committed to visible policing, and it's clear that this is the direction the force is going in. I don't get any sense that this has been withdrawn as an approach to local policing."

Commenting on Ledbury, he said: "What I'm finding are very committed and knowledgeable officers. In Ledbury, they are supported by a community and a parish officer."

Mr West added: "It's important that we provide reassurance to local communities by achieving light levels of visibility. I regard foot patrols as an extremely important aspect of policing and, in rural areas where officers do need to be more mobile, I'm keen for them, wherever possible, to get out of their cars and talk to the local community."

During the Ledbury walkabout, Inspector Sue Thomas revealed that Ledbury is to get a new police officer on September 15, though no further details were forthcoming.

Mr West declined to discuss last weekend's brawl at the Feathers Hotel, as investigations continue.

But he added: "You have to look at each case on its own merits. Fights in pubs - that's life. No level of policing will stop that. If any do happen, we need to respond effectively."