POULTON has a new inspector in town. And watch out -- he may be calling on you soon!

Richard Debicki is now in the command hot seat at Poulton Police Station and has already been doing the rounds to meet local residents, councillors and traders to get the feel of his new "beat".

Insp Debicki officially took over the role this week, but has been working alongside his predecessor, Insp Phil Anderton, for the past couple of weeks to learn the ropes.

The new inspector comes from a varied and extensive police background. He began his early service in Blackpool and then moved on to planning party political conferences, followed by various other senior management roles at Blackburn and the Constabulary headquarters in Hutton.

He is enthusiastic about his latest role, as he told The Citizen: "It is all still very new to me, but I am looking forward to the challenge the role will bring. I will be seeking to reduce all forms of crime in the area, in particular those which are of most concern to the people of the town, such as burglaries on homes, vehicle crime and violent crime."

He went on: " I will be working closely with young people and local residents to reduce the number of incidents where people have reported that youngsters were causing trouble or being a nuisance.

"I will also be focusing on providing a visible and highly accessible policing service in the area because I know from speaking with locals that this is very important to them. And I am keen to work together with Wyre Borough Council, Lancashire County Council and other local firms and businesses to solve problems in the area."

Asked what his policing aims were to combat late night rowdy behaviour in the centre, he replied: "There has been an expansion of night-life in Poulton and we need to respond effectively to that. We will seek to ensure that people leave the town swiftly and safely when licensed premises turn them out on to the streets.

"Of course we will be working closely with the local licensees to ensure that the local pubs and clubs are managed effectively and responsibly."