A PILOT scheme launched by Alcester police to tackle issues concerning residents has been made a permanent fixture, writes Helen Clarke.

The 'spotlight' campaign focuses on a different area each month - one month it will be in Alcester, the next, Bidford.

In February, the spotlight was put on Great Alne, where many residents were concerned about speeding and other traffic offences.

Figures released by Alcester police for the Great Alne beat that month revealed there were 39 vehicle stop-checks, five driving document requests, two vehicle defect rectification requests, three breath tests, eight verbal cautions for road traffic offences and one for pedal cycle offences.

But it was not just traffic matters which had been targeted in the campaign.

Police attended Great Alne School and carried out two sessions with children from the area on 'The dangers of strangers'.

They have also increased their liaisons with Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinators and as a result, provided 20 elderly residents with information and received input in relation to bogus callers.

Insp Sarah Goodall said: "A meeting was held with all beat officers last month to see how they felt about this scheme and all the officers were so enthusiastic we have decided to make this a permanent fixture rather than a pilot scheme.

"The officers have found it extremely useful and it is proving highly effective in tackling concerns of residents.

"It has enabled officers to discuss issues and receive a great deal of support from each other."