POLICING forums will take place across Suffolk as part of a drive to make the county the safest in the country.Suffolk Police Authority is organising the forums as part of their 'Suffolk First' initiative.

POLICING forums will take place across Suffolk as part of a drive to make the county the safest in the country.

Suffolk Police Authority is organising the forums as part of their 'Suffolk First' initiative.

Each will be attended by the police commander for the area and a member of the Authority who will answer questions and provide an update on Suffolk First.

Police Authority chairman Christine Laverock said: "This has been an exciting year for policing in Suffolk – and real progress has been made towards achieving Suffolk First.

"The latest set of annual crime statistics show that Suffolk is getting even safer with some of the lowest crime rates in the county, coupled with a decreasing fear of crime.

"But your views are essential in helping us target our resources effectively so that we can not only reduce crime but also make neighbourhoods feel safer too."

People planning to attend the forums are asked to submit their questions in advance, if possible, so that a full answer can be given. If not they can be asked on the night.

Questions can be emailed to policing.forums@legal.suffolkcc.gov.uk, by writing to the Clerk to the Police Authority, FREEPOST, St Helen Court, County Hall, Ipswich, IP4 2BR or calling the forum hotline on 01473 5841193

Forums will take place at 7.30pm at Hollesley Village Hall on September 24, Holywells High School, Ipswich on October 8, East Bergholt High School, Hadleigh on October 14, The Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds on October 15 and Whitehouse Community Centre, Ipswich on October 29.

Forums beginning at 7pm will take place at the Cedars Hotel, Stowmarket on October 8, Leiston High School on October 21, and Trimley Sports and Social Club on October 23.