Open More Hours: Campaign gains support (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Open More Hours: Campaign gains support

8:56am Wednesday 29th August 2007 in Chard By Steve Sowden

THE News' Open More Hours campaign has won more support from a leading police officer who is keen to hear the views of local people.

Inspector Andrew Pritchard, has recently taken over the running of the Somerton police sector which includes Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne, and he believes that the community plays a leading role in determining modern-day policing.

"I am more than happy to speak to people about policing issues," he said. "It is very important that the police are accessible.

"Consultation is a key part of policing these days and people's views are very important. We see the News' campaign as a consultation."

The Open More Hours campaign has been running the past month to see if there is widespread support for the police stations at Chard, Ilminster and Crewkerne to be open longer to allow people to go in and make a complaint or an enquiry to a front desk staff member.

Already we have received plenty of support from readers who would like to see longer opening hours at the police stations.

If you have not already signed our petition then please get this week's copy of the News and send it to us at Chard and Ilminster News, 3a Fore Street, Chard, Somerset.