New officers for the community

Frome has installed its first civilian Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

Former parish warden Paul Emery will be patrolling the area's streets as an addition to the current policing.

Sector Inspector Paul Cox said: "The PCSOs provide a visible deterrent, in particular to those thinking about committing anti-social behaviour."

The PCSOs powers include issuing fixed penalty tickets for minor anti-social behaviour and seizing vehicles.

PCSOs, who wear distinctive, predominantly blue, uniforms, are already operating in the Wells and Somerton sectors and in other areas of the Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Mr Emery said: "The fact I am able to build on the work I have achieved as a parish warden in the area is great.

"The majority of the rural communities covered are very positive about my new role as they did not want to lose this community."

Inspector Paul Cox said: "The two parish warden posts are both being converted into PCSOs and they will be operating on a similar basis as before in villages based in the Frome sector.

"I have made an application to the Home Office for funding additional PCSOs and hopefully the people of Frome will be seeing more PCSOs on their streets."