HOME Secretary Theresa May visited Somerset to hear crime concerns raised by farmers.

She joined Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner candidate Mark Weston to listen to concerns raised by farmers.

They including Ron and Trish Coombes and Matt Uren, county adviser for the National Farmer’s Union (NFU), at Bineham City Farm in Langport.

Mr Weston says his plans include giving rural police the right tools for the job such as night vision goggles, greater use of 4x4 vehicles, and better IT support so patrols can stay out longer, filing reports on location.

He said he is also determined to reinforce rural teams.

Ms May said: “Mark has consulted widely with different communities across Avon and Somerset and he stressed to me the importance of making sure our officers have the resources they need to carry out these different roles in urban and rural areas.

“It was fantastic to meet farmers and find out about the issues of biggest concern to them, and also to see how Mark has listened and forged good relationships to place the different communities at the heart of policing.

“Police and Crime Commissioners are there to represent the public, after all. That’s why it’s vital everyone gets out and votes so their voice is heard on May 5.”

Mark said he is determined the policing plan should be tailored to the area and the people it serves.

Mr Weston also raised the issue of armed police with Theresa May when she visited Bristol earlier in the day.

The Home Office has provided £34 million for 2016 to 2017 to enable a national uplift in armed policing capability and capacity to respond more quickly and effectively to a firearms attack.

It will be distributed to forces in England and Wales via the Counter Terrorism Policing Grant.

He said: “The Home Secretary understands the security risks and assured me that some of this money would be used to keep our cities outside the capital safe.

“If elected, I’m determined to make sure our police have the resources they need to do their job. Terrorism can strike anywhere and a large city like Bristol could be especially vulnerable.”