TOWNSFOLK could soon be able to report racial abuse on the internet when Redditch police get on-line with the launch of their own website.

The site is currently being developed by a specially formed committee of Redditch officers and should go live within the next six months.

And residents are also being asked what they would like to see included on the site, which will cover a range of issues.

Acting Geographic Commander Inspector Jeff Hill, of Redditch police, said: "It really is at the development stage but we are looking at the possibility of people being able to report incidents online, such as racial or homophobic abuse."

The web page will also provide information for residents and details of certain crimes and appeals for witnesses to come forward.

And it will inform people of any particular crime trends and where they are occurring in the town.

Mr Hill said: "This will be a great opportunity to promote good relations between the people of Redditch and their police force.

"We are hoping by developing this site we will be more accessible and residents feel they can communicate with us more easily."

The site could also provide photographs and information about particular sectors in Redditch and officers who cover the area.

Anyone who has any ideas for the website can call Mr Hill or Insp Nigel Humphries on 584888 or e-mail on quality.performance@redpol.demon.co.uk.