BIDFORD's new police officer could be based at the village's new primary school and library or possibly the fire station.

Chief Inspector Mike Slemensek, head of Stratford sector, told Stratford District Council's Avon Area Community Committee on Monday that he was looking at a number of locations for the new officer, who will replace Bidford community beat officer Peter Batacanin when he retires at the end of October.

PC Batacanin lives in a police house in the village, but CI Slemensek ruled out any similar arrangement in the future .

"There are no plans to put another police house there. I think it is quite a burden to ask someone to live in the area they police. I think CBOs can be more effective if they don't live in the area they are policing," said CI Slemensek.

CI Slemensek was invited to the meeting to address local concerns about policing in Bidford.

Parish councillor Joy Keeley said that up until five years ago Bidford had two "bobbies" and had access to an office at the fire station.

CI Slemensek said: "We do want a highly visible police point of contact in Bidford."

Councillor Kim James said he was pleased that the police were looking for accommodation in the village, but added that the beat was much bigger than just Bidford and included the surrounding villages, including Salford Priors.

"I just hope you can find that accommodation to give confidence to Bidford that they have a police officer," said coun James.

He added that no criticism should be levelled at PC Batacanin who had been "a superb police officer for 20 years"

Coun Peter Barnes said: "We need something between 999 and the day to day number."