Essex Police are to receive a cash boost of £251,315 for rural policing, Home Office Minister Charles Clarke announced today.

The money from the Home Office's £15 million for rural policing, announced last month, has been made available to forces in England and Wales for this financial year.

David Stevens, Essex Chief Constable, said: "We are pleased that the Government has recognised the importance of rural policing. It reinforces the work we have been doing during the past two years in improving the delivery of front line services to rural areas.

"Although it is too early to be specific about exactly how the extra money will be spent, it will be dedicated to delivering front line services."

Mr Clarke said: "The Government fully recognises the special needs of rural policing, and the demands of delivering a high quality service to communities with a low population."

He said provision had been made for additional funding in future years.

Rural crime hit the headlines with the case of farmer Tony Martin who was jailed for shooting to death Fred Barras who was burgling his home.

Residents in rural areas of Essex recently hit out at a lack of police officers after a report revealed a rise in the burglary rate of country homes and businesses.

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