NUISANCE calls and domestic disputes accounted for a third of calls made to the police by Kempsey people in the six weeks from the beginning of May.

The 41 calls also included eight thefts, five traffic offences, five suspicious incidents, three public order matters and two reports of drug-taking in Kempsey playing fields and an old air raid shelter.

One report of a fire and complaints about noise, disorder and criminal damage accounted for the other four calls, Kempsey Parish Council heard at its monthly meeting.

New Kempsey beat manager, PC Alan Naulls, said the thefts included two vehicles and one caravan which was later recovered, as well as items such as credit cards and benefit books.

He said Kempsey was very well covered by Neighbourhood Watch, with 12 co-ordinators of individual groups and one link co-ordinator.

"I shall be holding a meeting with them shortly," he said.

Chairman Joy Clee said it was encouraging that people in the village were reporting matters to the police.

PC Naulls can be contacted on 01905 723888, quoting his number, 3059.