WITNESSES in the region's criminal justice system are "very satisfied" with support services, a survey has shown.

John Campion, police and crime commissioner for West Mercia, hailed the results of a survey by Citizen's Advice Witness Service which showed that, on average, 87 per cent of witnesses polled were very satisfied with support received.

He said: “It’s reassuring to know that more witnesses are being referred to Citizen’s Advice Witness Service, and that they are very satisfied with the level of support they are receiving."

The survey, which was carried out for the Commissioner’s office by the Citizen’s Advice Witness Service, showed that across a year over 3,000 people went through the system with an average of 88 per cent prepared to give evidence again – which is higher than the national average of 76 per cent.

Mr Campion has promised to work with the government and others to further enhance the services in the area.

Part of this involved looking at improving the referral rate of witnesses. Previously only around 20 per cent of witnesses were being referred, whereas now the total is 50 per cent.

Mr Campion said: “Ultimately we are working to the same goal of ensuring that witnesses are given the help they need during what can often be a daunting time in their lives.

"It is vitally important that we give witnesses the confidence to come forward again, as they could provide invaluable evidence in a case.”