THE MAYOR of Leominster has welcomed the restoration of 24-hour policing in the town, writes PETE BLENCH.

A decision by Police chiefs to start patrols around the clock all working out of Leominster's Ryeland's Road police station to cover the north of the county is 'a very good move', said mayor Roger Hunt. "I totally support this - it's excellent news," he added.

The police came under heavy fire from civic leaders and members of the public in recent years over allegedly 'poor' police cover and response to incidents in the market towns.

Recruitment was stepped up and quarterly meetings were set up between Herefordshire police chief Guy Rutter and the county's mayors through the market towns forum. Tonight in Hereford, the mayors and the police chief are to attend the latest meeting for a free-ranging discussion without an agenda.

Mr Hunt acknowledged policing improvements but said he still had some worries. "I am still concerned about drug taking in the town," he said.

The police said this week that patrols were now working out of Leominster Police Station around the clock - previously many incidents were dealt with by patrols from Hereford.

Leominster shift patterns have been organised to coincide with those at Hereford, giving all the opportunity to work closer together as a team, said Inspector Sheila Thornes, the senior officer at Leominster Police Station.

"We are obviously delighted with the decision to provide 24-hour cover in the north of the county, however, it is still very early days, " she said. Policing is not just about detecting crime. We want to deter would-be criminals, too, and this is a step in the right direction."

There are no plans to keep Leominster police station open to the public on a 24-hour basis. Opening hours remain unchanged. Anyone wishing to see a police officer should ring the central number of 08457 444888 or dial 999 in an emergency.