CHANGES in the police force have prompted a popular Bewdley officer to retire earlier than planned.

PC Nigel Barter, who has been Bewdley's beat manager for five and a half years, said it was a "heartbreaking" decision to make but he felt it was the right time to leave.

The officer, who has been in the force for 31 years and will finish next week, added: "There are changes within the police force, including how my role is performed and the duties related to it. While I agree with the need to change, I don't necessarily agree these changes are appropriate for Bewdley."

He said one of the changes was that on a quiet night in Bewdley he would have been expected to go to Kidderminster and he felt his commitment to Bewdley, which was important to him, would have been affected.

The 50-year-old, who had anticipated remaining in the role for at least another two years, said he had enjoyed his time in Bewdley the most and was sad to be leaving. He will be working part-time at Kidderminster Police Station as a civilian and will also continue to be the vice-chairman of the Bewdley Youth Cafe committee, as well as helping to organise the Party in the Park events.

Leader of Wyre Forest District Council, Councillor Stephen Clee, has written a letter to Chief Inspector Jim Baker expressing his concerns about PC Barter's retirement.

He said: "I do hope the force can persuade Nigel to stay a bit longer to see some of the tremendous improvements he has made come to fruition."