OTTERY S neighbourhood police team have asked their bosses to provide the town with a civilian clerk when their new base in the Old Convent opens later this year.

OTTERY'S neighbourhood police team have asked their bosses to provide the town with a civilian clerk when their new base in the Old Convent opens later this year.

Devon and Cornwall Constabulary chief constable Stephen Otter paid officers a surprise visit at their temporary Broad Street home on Wednesday, before touring the town with neighbourhood beat manager PC Phil Thomas to speak to residents over local policing levels and performance.

"He was generally pleased with the remarks made," said PC Thomas, adding:

"We hope financing will be made available to employ a civilian clerk in the new police office to free up our office based time.