CrimeBUSter, an imaginative new way of combating crime, will be the focus of Not In My Neighbourhood, a special Safer Fenland Partnership event in Wisbech Market Place this Friday [March 27]. The purple, single-decker bus has just been introduced by the S

CrimeBUSter, an imaginative new way of combating crime, will be the focus of Not In My Neighbourhood, a special Safer Fenland Partnership event in Wisbech Market Place this Friday [March 27].

The purple, single-decker bus has just been introduced by the Safer Fenland Partnership (Fenland District Council, the police, fire service and other agencies). It is specially designed to provide a comfortable venue and offer services to increase security for people in rural areas and allay their fears of crime.

It will also be used to deliver a range of other services to those who find it difficult to get into the predominantly rural district's four main town centres - Wisbech, March, Chatteris and Whittlesey.

Friday's event is the culmination of the ground-breaking vehicle's first week-long tour of 11 Fenland villages. Previously used by BBC Radio Manchester, it has been given an extensive makeover by the council. It is equipped with mobile internet access, a private area for confidential discussions with service advisors and a selection of crime prevention equipment that is available free.

The organisations that make up the Safer Fenland Partnership will run surgeries from the vehicle in 19 villages at least four times a year - more than 80 in total. It will also be used to support various other projects in Fenland, including Fenland District Council's much-praised Golden Age fairs for the over-60s, road safety campaigns and local community events.

Fenland District Councillor Ken Mayor, chairman of the Safer Fenland Partnership, says: "Reaching out to people in rural areas presents a big challenge. All too often, it is the most vulnerable in our community that would most benefit from advice and support but cannot leave their homes to get it. CrimeBUSter is a major step forward in meeting that challenge.

"While crime in Fenland is lower than the national average and the police have an excellent record of detection, the fear of crime is a serious issue for local people. CrimeBUSter embodies our approach to dealing with crime and anti-social behaviour, which puts a strong emphasis on prevention.