An army of angry residents demanding action over the increase in rural crime awaits Ann Widdecombe when she arrives in Braintree today (Friday).

The Shadow Home Secretary will be at Braintree police station meeting police officers, councillors and members of the public to discuss crime, policing and the justice system.

Doris Steere, of Feering, said she was going along to ask Ann Widdecombe whether the Conservative party was going to do something about the level of policing in rural areas.

Mrs Steere said: "We don't seem to have any policemen in our area. If you want them you have to phone through to Witham which is ridiculous.

"Most of our problems in Kelvedon and Feering would be solved if there were a few policemen just walking the streets."

Simon Walsh, district councillor for Panfield, said: "Because of the district I represent I will be raising general concerns about the increase in crime in rural areas.

"There is a real lack of confidence among people that a lot of these crimes are not being followed up."

As part of the day she will be joined by Brooks Newmark, the Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Braintree, and Supt Peter Sheldrake, Braintree divisional commander, to answer questions from the public.

They were asked to come along and voice their concerns following a survey conducted by the local Conservative group.

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