THE Safer Fenland Partnership (SFP) is stepping up the number of its regular surgeries across the district and holding them in places where they will attract the maximum number of people. They will be set up in busy places such as supermarkets, leisure

THE Safer Fenland Partnership (SFP) is stepping up the number of its regular "surgeries" across the district and holding them in places where they will attract the maximum number of people.

They will be set up in busy places such as supermarkets, leisure centres and markets in each of the four market towns. The aim is to reach out further into the community and give local people more opportunities to raise particular concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour and to learn more about the range of help available to them.

Two of the new-style surgeries have already been held - one at Tesco in Wisbech and another in Whittlesey. In future there will be two each month, rotating round the four towns and staffed by representatives from Fenland District Council, the police community safety team and Roddons housing association.

They will offer practical help and information on all the partners' services, such as home visits by the police and the fire service.

Cllr Ken Mayor, the SFP chairman and FDC's portfolio holder with responsibility for safer, stronger communities, said: "We are trying to get out and about as much as possible to listen to people's concerns and let them know what help we can give. These surgeries are an important part of that two-way process."

For more information call Symone Hodson, the SFP project officer at Fenland District Council, on 01354 654321 or email shodson@fenland.gov.uk