POLICE response to calls from rural communities could be affected by the current foot and mouth crisis.

Only a life-or-death emergency would take precedence over normal disinfection procedures, said Insp Neville Sheldrick.

Speaking to members of the Malvern Police Community Consultative Group last week, he said the police were subject to tight restrictions on where they could and could not go.

"That's going to affect our response, particularly where there are livestock near affected areas," he said.

"We may get some calls where we would normally attend but we won't attend in these circumstances."

Where it was considered necessary for police to attend, they would go through the normal disinfection procedures unless it was a life-or-death situation, said Insp Sheldrick.

"If the emergency services need to be there, we will go," he said.

Appealing to members of the public to be vigilant and avoid going to any areas where they might cause contamination, he added: "If you don't need to go, please don't."

Insp Sheldrick outlined recent changes in the policing of the Malvern district following a review of procedures.

He explained that the areas covered by beat managers had been realigned in relation to population. He also reiterated the assurances about the future of Malvern Police Station given last month by Supt Simon Adams in response to rumours of its possible closure.

"We're here in Malvern and there are no plans to change that," he said.

Chairman Tim Johnson said the consultative group had been reassured that the police station was safe, at least for the next three years.