SHOPPERS in Kidderminster are being invited to drop in and meet beat officers at a new office opening in the town centre.

The office, which opens in the Town Hall buildings on Monday, is aimed at providing an informal setting where officers can chat to members of the public between incidents, answering requests for information and crime prevention advice.

Town centre beat officer Pc Tim Bowen said the police station at Habberley Road would continue to be the place for reporting emergencies, crime and producing documents.

He added: "It is an exciting development but also feels like a return to our old roots, because the Town Hall buildings used to house the town's main police station, before larger premises were needed in Habberley Road."

The office will be used for a three-month trial. A billboard in Vicar Street will advise when an officer is present.