'˜BusBeat' plan could be just the ticket for Rasen

A community policing initiative which features officers travelling on service buses could be rolled out in the Market Rasen area - because it is so successful.

PC Mark Johnson, Inspector Phil Baker and PCSO Nigel Wass at the launch of the new CallCollect 'Busbeat' route between Louth and Horncastle.

That is the call from officials behind the popular ‘BusBeat’ scheme.

The ‘brainchild’ of Horncastle based PCSO Nigel Wass, ‘BusBeat’ sees officers offer help and advice to passengers, while often receiving vital information about concerns in specific communities.

The scheme was piloted on the No. 6 Stagecoach route between Horncastle and Wragby.

It proved to be such a success, it has been extended to the CallCollect service between Horncastle and Louth.Maria Lyon, CallConnect’s Promotion and Community Engagement Officer, said the company was delighted to be involved with ‘BusBeat.’

She revealed it could be introduced on other CallConnect routes in Lincolnshire - and added there was no reason why it could not operate across the entire country.

She said: “Our services are a lifeline to some of the most rural communities in Lincolnshire and its an ideal away for the police to meet people.

“We have fixed routes and an ‘on demand’ service and there’s no reason why we can’t look at introducing it elsewhere.

“Hopefully, the Horncastle to Louth route is just the start. Market Rasen could be next.”

Mrs Lyon’s views were backed by the newly appointed head of policing for the Wolds Division, Inspector Phil Baker.

He said he would welcome his officers travelling on other services.

He explained: : “It’s another way of us engaging with people - and with rural communities. It’s a tremendous idea and PCSO Wass’s input has been very important.

“I’d have no hesitation recommending it to other neighbourhood policing teams in Lincolnshire - and beyond.”

Passenger Vera Taylor (77) said: “It’s nice to see a police officer. They are very friendly and we can tell them anything we’re worried about. People do talk more on a bus.”