WINKLEIGH residents can now benefit from a new Police Enquiry Point, operating each week from the village hall in Castle Street.

The enquiry point and surgery is manned by civilian rural station enquiry officer Rosie Mclachlan — along with police officers as they are available — and is open every Monday from 1-3pm for residents of the area to go along and put any questions or problems they may have in confidence.

Available advice will range from crime prevention to what the police are doing at present.

Local neighbourhood beat manager PC Ron Loomes said it was another means by which members of the public could contact him and fellow officers, and should make contact easier.

He can also still be contacted via the police switchboard or by leaving a message in the police information box opposite the village hall.

The centre is operating in partnership with the local parish council, which is providing the use of the building free of charge.