Budleigh police to get free cuppas in Co-op

THIRSTY police officers can now pop into the Budleigh Salterton Co-operative store and get a free cuppa.

THIRSTY police officers can now pop into the Budleigh Salterton Co-operative store and get a free cuppa.

Police officers can now drop into their local Co-op for a cup of tea as part of a new scheme to help them spend more time out on the beat.

They can pop into the Co-op store, on the High Street, for a free drink and the chance to mingle with shoppers and staff.

The project will provide a meeting place at the heart of communities where residents can have an informal chat with their local beat manager and pick up information, support and advice along with their food shopping.

Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton said: "It is important that our staff have an opportunity for a rest break but in this case there are benefits to the police and wider community as the police stay in their neighbourhoods and have more time to talk and make a difference."