A mobile policing unit which visits villages in the Braintree district has been hailed a success.

The unit, launched in Finchingfield in January last year, aims to help reduce the fear of crime in the rural areas of the district.

Robert Chambers, chairman of the Essex Police Authority, said: "It has been going extremely well.

"It seems to be working very well and lots of other parishes are interested in one."

The mobile office visits the parishes about once a month to show a police presence where people feel the service is out of touch; it makes the police more accessible.

It also gives residents the chance to speak to a local councillor without travelling into Braintree town centre.

Published Thursday January 8, 2004

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