Police trial new community hubs in north Devon

The pilot scheme means community engagement hubs are in Bideford and Westward Ho!

New community hubs will mean officers are more accessible to residents and shoppers, Devon and Cornwall Police says.

The pilot scheme means community engagement hubs are in Bideford and Westward Ho!

They are at Jubilee Square, The Quay, Bideford and the RNLI building, slipway car park, Westbourne Terrace in Westward Ho!

Sgt Glyn Clark said: “These community engagement hubs are a great asset for officers to use and allow us to get closer to the public, be more accessible and be on hand to deal with incidents and queries."

'Reassure residents'

He added: "Officers on foot patrol can offer a more visible presence in the two towns and help reassure residents and shoppers."

In Bideford, the hubs will predominantly be used by the local neighbourhood police officers but they will be joined by the community safety team from the council.

Councillor Doug Bushby, chair of Torridge District Council, said: “These community hubs are a valuable asset that will enable us to capitalise on the existing work that is already being done in partnership between Torridge District Council and Devon and Cornwall Police around public and community safety, reassurance and harm-reduction.”