WEST Mercia Constabulary's top policeman paid a visit to Worcester yesterday to meet the people on the streets.

Chief constable Paul West spent the afternoon chatting to members of the public and shopkeepers.

He told the Worcester News why it was important for him to get out of his office and talk to the public.

He said: "It is good to understand what is going on on the ground. You get a real feel for what it's like out here. It helps get a knowledge for the area and it's good to be accessible and approachable."

The first stop for Mr West was the Tallow Hill mosque.

Outside the building, worshippers told him about concerns of anti-social behaviour particularly from people going in and out of the nearby St Paul's Hostel.

Mr West told them: "West Mercia works hard with all the communities to ensure Worcester is a peaceful and crime-free city. But you can only make a difference if we all work together. It has to be a joint effort."

After around half an hour at the mosque, Mr West, who was being shown around by PC Vince Treagus, the area's local policing officer, and community support officer Karen Watson, walked to the city centre community centre where he talked to staff.

This was followed by a visit to Stanley Road Primary School, Stanley Road, where he mingled with children who showed a keen interest in his hat, handcuffs, CS spray and radio. Finally, in Wyld's Lane, Mr West spoke to Jazmine Jan, of Spice Bazaar, who told him about how the shop was closed for around six months while it under went a huge refurbishment.

She also explained to him the Asian tradition of bulk buying, which is why Asian-run stores stock huge bags of flour, rice and other produce.