The mobile police station introduced to Fermanagh one year ago is providing rural communities with an approachable face of policing.

This was the message from Chief Inspector Alywin Barton at a recent meeting of Fermanagh District Policing Partnership.

He told members the initiative had received great praise from the public, and he explained that some 55 crimes had been reported to the mobile unit which had received 368 callers over the last twelve months.

However, DPP member, Mandy Egerton asked the Chief Inspector: "Is this a sustainable initiative bearing in mind that police officers staff this vehicle? The perception in many areas is that police resources are strained. In the long run, will other aspects of community policing be sacrificed to maintain this resource?

Mr Barton replied: "Fermanagh is committed to sustaining and developing the use of the Mobile Police Station.

Whilst the Reserve Officers will be phased out over the next few years, the part-time police officers will be increased and I see them taking on an increasing role in this facility.

"Accordingly, if the recruitment of more part-time officers is progressed fairly soon, then I do not see other aspects of Community Policing being sacrificed to maintain this resource. Quite the contrary I see this resource supporting Community Policing on an increasing basis.

"If this is not progressed prior to the last Full Time Reserve Officers leaving, then detailed consideration will be given as to how this service is delivered."

Enniskillen member, Karen Dolan, asked Chief Inspector Barton if there were any increased security measures being implemented in relation to the mobile unit in the light of the recent shootings of two policemen.

Mr Barton explained that the aim was that the beat officer in the town that was being visited by the mobile unit is in the vicinity of the mobile police station, so support is provided this way.