BOBBIES will be getting on the buses in a novel scheme to make them more accessible to rural communities after being awarded £630,000 from central Government.

Beat officers will be hopping onto mobile library vehicles in just one of a number of initiatives being launched by Thames Valley Police to combat rural crime.

They will spend time travelling in the library around the Chiltern Vale Area to improve their accessibility to the rural public and discuss their concerns.

Superintendent Mick Doyle, said: "We got the idea from another force and thought why don't we have a policemen on the mobile library?

"Everyone knows what time it will be there and we thought we could put a sign up saying 'there will be a policemen on here' so people in rural areas could have contact with their village bobby."

The Chiltern Vale Police Area alone has been awarded £55,000 and police have been working with various agencies including parish and town councils to identify the most worthwhile schemes to invest in.

Patrols are set to increase to reduce the level of anti-social behaviour in small towns and rural areas.

Statistics supplied by the police indicate that measures which are already in place have proved effective in reducing crime.

Crime in Princes Risborough, Hazlemere and Marlow was reduced by eight per cent from April 2000 to January 2001, compared to the same period in the previous year.

The number of domestic burglaries fell by 26 per cent, violent crime fell by 12 per cent and auto crime fell by 16 per cent.

Supt Doyle, said: "I am optimistic that our accessibility to the rural public of Chiltern Vale will be greatly increased and will be better equipped to tackle crime in rural areas. I am delighted we have received these extra funds."

If anyone wishes to discuss rural issues contact High Wycombe Police Station: (01494) 465888