UNIFORMED presence in the South Petherton area is set to increase with the opening of a new policing post and Community Information Centre.

The venture, based at 8 Market Square, will provide a more accessible base for the community police operations while local volunteers will help create a vital hub of information for visitors and residents.

It will also be a permanent location for surgeries held by the MP, county and district councillors and advice services.

Previously the village's PCSOs were based in Somerton and were only present on Wednesday and Saturday mornings - working from an office in the David Hall in Roundwell Street, and more recently a small office in Blake Hall.

Members of the South Petherton Action Group have been working on the project, spearheaded by district councillor Paull Robathan, and co-ordinated by Sue Wallis.

Mrs Wallis said: "The Community Information Centre and Police Post will be a huge asset for the community and run by the community.

"Volunteers will have information about local clubs and events, plus tourist leaflets for the immediate area.

"The Police Post is very welcome and viewed as a necessity by many residents.

"The PCSOs intend to start and finish their shifts at the centre so there will be a very prominent police presence every day as far as is possible."

Mr Robathan said: "It is getting the police back in the local community. They will be actively visible and accessible - it will be like having a mini police station.

"Previously the police would start and end their day in Somerton and would only be able to spend an hour or so in the village but now they can be based there all week."

He hoped the police element of the centre would open in January.

Funding for the £7,000-a-year running cost has been secured from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (Local Action for Rural Communities) and is match funded by Somerset County Council, South Petherton Parish Council, with help from South Somerset District Council.

Sergeant Alan Bell, who will sometimes be based at the centre, said: "It will certainly give us a greater presence."

The centre will officially open on Friday, December 4.