NEW beat managers have begun patrolling the streets in a move to take policing back into the heart of the community.

PC Jason Manning, a police officer for 12 years, was the first officer appointed and he is now dedicated to patrolling Clayton-le-Moors. He will be followed in the coming weeks by officers in Oswaldtwistle and Rishton.

Community Beat managers are already operating in Burnley but PC Manning, 31, of Helmshore, will be the first to take on the challenge in Lancashire Constabulary's Eastern Division -- which includes Hyndburn, Blackburn, Darwen and the Ribble Valley.

Although traditional bobbies are assigned to a certain area they may have to break off for other duties. But PC Manning will become the dedicated "main man" for his area and will be on a different shift pattern from other officers.

The role will be similar to that of the rural beat officers in the Ribble Valley and Darwen but community beat managers will work in urban areas -- particularly those where there are a lot of young people.

The exact number of community beat managers to be appointed is still being finalised but is expected to be between 10 and 20 throughout Eastern division.

Chief Supt John Thompson said: "The concept of community beat managers is fundamental to our intelligence-led problem solving approach, while at the same time they provide reassurance to the community and those members of the public who are asking for a visible and dedicated police office."

He said: "The role is about building personal contact with residents so I want to spend a lot of my patrol on foot in the community as this is about reassurance for residents and also about engaging with them.

"It is easier to do that on foot as you can stop and talk to people, although obviously Clayton-le-Moors is a big area, so I will have to use the car to get from one side to another or to move quickly if needed."

PC Manning is based in the new Estate Management Board Office in Gloucester Avenue where he will hold a surgery for residents every Monday between 11am and noon.

Residents can also contact PC Manning through Great Harwood police station on 01254 353334.