CIVIC leaders and police in North Yorkshire are trying to whip up interest in a group designed to forge stronger links with the public.

Despite advance publicity, attendance at the last meeting in April of the Bedale community and police (CAP) group was described as pathetic by Bob Pocklington, a local town and parish councillor, who chaired it.

The meeting was organised to give local people the opportunity to comment on issues such as police performance and controversial moves towards reorganisation of forces across Yorkshire.

Mr Pocklington said that before the group meets again, on June 22, they hoped to organise more publicity through the mobile library and on parish notice boards in villages in the Bedale area.

He said: "People complain about the police. These meetings are an opportunity for those who have a bee in their bonnet to speak up."

Bedale has a police sergeant six constables and two community support officers dedicated to the town and surrounding area.