NEARLY 20 fewer criminal incidents were reported in the Whitchurch area in December compared to the same month the year before.

In the latest monthly crime report for Whitchurch, Hurstbourne Priors and Cole Henley, 29 incidents were reported to the police, with 12 of them being recorded as crimes by the Home Office.

In the same period in 2016, there were 48 incidents that were reported to the police, with 15 being registered as crimes.

The first results have also came through for the community speedwatch scheme in Whitchurch.

In four days spread out over October, November and December, a total of 38 people were recorded as speeding.

The details of the vehicles recorded as speeding have been passed onto the neighbourhood policing team.