MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed the arrival of West Mercia’s first female chief constable.

Pippa Mills joined the local police in September and now she has finally had a chance to meet the MP for West Worcestershire.

The pair met at Hindlip police headquarters to discuss policing concerns such as speeding, rural crime, domestic abuse and illegal drug use.

Speaking after the meeting, Mrs Baldwin said: “I was delighted to meet with Pippa Mills and welcome her to her new post, and I am particularly pleased to see West Mercia appointing its first female Chief Constable.”

She added: “Fortunately, the incidence of serious crime is relatively low, but my constituents do have specific concerns which I took the opportunity to share.

“Speeding is a regular issue in my post bag, and I’ve had ongoing conversations with farmers and rural businesses about the problems they regularly face with thefts from outbuildings.

“I’m hopeful that Pippa will bring a fresh impetus to dealing with the issues raised by my constituents while making sure that West Mercia is one of the safer areas to live in the country.”

Mrs Baldwin also agreed to support the Neighbourhood Matters initiative, which seeks to inform local areas about policing, crime prevention and ongoing incidents.

For further information and to sign up for updates, visit the initiative’s website here.