Two new recruits are pounding the beat after Halton Housing Trust – the main social housing landlord in the borough – part funded the Police Community Support Officers for three years.
PCSOs John Shevlyn and Chris Carr are the latest addition to the teams in Runcorn and Widnes.
They will work alongside officers and other PCSOs in the area to provide a visible and reassuring presence within the community. The pair, who have just started out on their beat, are keen to become well-known figures in the local community that residents can trust.
PCSO Shevlyn said: “Our number one priority is to ensure that everyone in the local area knows who we are and feels that they can approach us with any issues they might have that are affecting their quality of life.”
PCSO Shevlyn and PCSO Carr will be based at a variety of locations including Runcorn and Widnes Police Stations and the Simms Cross and Grange House area offices of Halton Housing Trust. But most of their time will be spent out on the beat.
PCSO Carr said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us both and we want to make a real impact in the area. We are here to strengthen links between the housing trust, the police and the local community and we want to make a real difference.”
Police Community Support Officers are equipped with a range of powers making them effective in the fight against various issues including anti-social behaviour and underage drinking.
The pair will also work with the local community to identify and respond to incidents of graffiti, noisy neighbours or crime. They will also report any breach of tenancy to a housing officer from the Trust and attend meetings and events.
Nick Atkin, Chief Executive of Halton Housing Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cheshire Police on this initiative. This is one of a number of measures we have undertaken to get tough on anti-social behaviour. It also further demonstrates how we are committed to improving the communities where our customers live.”
PCSO Shevlyn and PCSO Carr can be contacted at their local area offices at Simms Cross in Widnes and Grange House in Runcorn.