RESIDENTS in Cheddar, Axbridge, Wedmore and Shipham could soon be able to grass up their problem neighbours and school bullies via an anonymous postal service.

RESIDENTS living in Cheddar, Axbridge, Wedmore and Shipham could soon be able to grass up’ their problem neighbours and school bullies via an anonymous postal service.

Police are preparing to set up a special service which will enable residents to report crimes and antisocial behaviour without giving their names.

The details of the scheme have not yet been finalised, but preliminary plans mean people will be able to put anonymous slips into special boxes placed around the towns and villages or write on a stamped addressed postcard and send it via the usual mail boxes to the police station in Cheddar.

Police officers will then be able to follow up on any reports and it is hoped the new scheme will improve links with the community.

Police community support officer (PCSO) Julie Lewis said: “If someone has a problem with their neighbours and they don’t want to be seen grassing them up to the police then they can put a slip in the box without giving their name and we will follow it up.

“People can write in about anything they want. If children are having trouble with bullies, or are being pushed into smoking pot on The Furlong in Axbridge, then they can tell us about it.

“Some people can’t make the beat surgeries I hold so I thought this would be a good way for people to get in touch with me.”

Beat surgeries have been started up regularly in the four areas but the postal service will enable people who cannot attend them to voice their concerns.

The box service could be set up in the next couple of months and people will be able to pick up a postcard from a shop, take it home and fill it in, then post it when they next go out.

PCSO Lewis said: “Some people don’t want to be seen talking to the police so it gives those individuals a way of telling us what’s happening without worrying about fear of retribution. The person doesn’t then become a target.”