The introduction of a bobby on the beat is bringing a more personal touch to safety issues in Reigate.

Following complaints about obstructive overhanging bushes near a youth centre in Woodhatch at a neighbourhood consultative committee meeting last week, local beat officer Chris Jeffs got straight to work on arranging for them to be cut back.

The bushes reduce visibility on Slipsatch Road, increasing danger for youngsters coming out of the youth club who already have to contend with speeding cars.

PC Jeffs said: "This is one example of how those meetings can work.

"I met with my partners at the borough council this week and we're getting the hedge shifted."

If Surrey residents want to talk to the police but have not actually witnessed a serious offence that warrants calling 999, there is a central call centre to field calls (0845 125 2222), which police say is now running effectively.

Sergeant Con Morrissey explained at the meeting that the call centre service is now dealing well with calls following initial teething problems due to lack of resources.

Two Woodhatch residents who had used the number recently said they had been satisfied with the service.

Sergeant Morrissey added that the chief constable is very aware of the importance of having a number on which residents can communicate more directly with the police.

He said: "We know that sometimes residents may call wanting to give us some intelligence but if they are put on hold for 20 minutes they will just give up and hang up."

In an effort to make residents, especially youngsters, more familiar with their local beat officer, a series of cards with a photo and contact details has been produced and is available from police stations.