FIVE extra police officers are to go on the beat in the Malling area. Four PCs and a Sergeant will join PC Dave Lismore and PC Lisa Pawsey at West Malling police office from December 2.

They will cover Snodland, East and West Malling, Larkfield, Leybourne and Aylesford.

Snodland's two community officers, PC John Grant and PC Martin Coomber will remain in their posts.

Supt Mick Matthews, area commander for Maidstone and Malling police, said: "While core policing response for these areas in terms of emergencies will still be based in Maidstone, these personnel moves will ensure greater access and greater visibility within those communities."

Cllr Trudy Dean, chairman of West Malling parish council, said: "People want to see a more visible police presence for crime prevention and because more police on the beat means officers pick up details from the streets directly."