ANYONE with concerns about Redditch town centre will be able to pop into a new police base which opened in the Kingfisher Centre on Monday.

The scheme has been launched as a joint initiative between the centre and West Mercia Police to provide a service for shoppers whenever it might be needed.

Centre manager Ian McLelland said: "This aim is to provide a 'comfort blanket' for shoppers. After all, what is more reassuring than seeing a bobby on the beat?

"We believe ideas like this will assure people they are in the friendliest shopping environment possible."

The police base, which includes an office and a quiet room, will be at the back of BB's, next to the toilets.

Insp Gareth Prosser, of Redditch police, said: "We can now get closer to the community we serve and reassure shoppers and visitors to the centre.

"We'll have officers based in the shopping centre throughout the day and to gather any information from the community and have a chat with anyone who may have concerns about the town centre."