A NEW police chief has been welcomed to his post in Mid Suffolk.Temporary chief inspector Neal Atwell has been unveiled as the new district commander for the area, based in Stowmarket.

A NEW police chief has been welcomed to his post in Mid Suffolk.

Temporary chief inspector Neal Atwell has been unveiled as the new district commander for the area, based in Stowmarket.

He has replaced chief inspector Paul Sharp, who has moved to police headquarters to head the Community Safety Team.

Chf insp has worked across the county, including a stint as sergeant in Debenham, in a career spanning 26 years.

He said: “I am very pleased to have been appointed as the new Mid Suffolk district commander.

“Having spent a short time away from mainstream policing, it is good to have the opportunity to return to the role I most enjoy.

“Mid Suffolk will be a challenging area to work in because of its mix of urban and rural communities and the size of the district.

“However, I start from a good position with Mid Suffolk having the lowest number of crimes in the county.

“My aim will be to ensure this continues with the help of the team I have joined and our partners in the community.”

Meanwhile, inspector Sally Gallant will be the new neighbourhood inspector for Mid Suffolk.

A police officer for 21 years, insp Gallant said: “My key themes will be listening to the concerns of the public, engaging at all levels with our communities, and working together with our partners and the public to ensure we continue to reduce crime, detect more crimes and improve customer satisfaction.”