COMMUNITY bobby Charmaine Smith is back on homeground after requesting a transfer to her old stomping ground in Haydock East.

Charmaine (33) was born and raised in Haydock and when she learned there was a vacancy for a community beat officer in the area she asked to be transferred.

Charmaine says her first priority is to set up a Homewatch scheme covering the Church Road and Penny Lane areas. And a meeting has already been arranged at St James' Church, Church Road, for 7pm on Friday, February 27, all local residents are welcome to attend.

She also plans to set up a police surgery at the library off Church Road, near Kwik Save, on the first Monday of every month. Members of the public will be welcome to attend and discuss local issues and it is hoped that the first meeting will take place at the beginning of March.

Charmaine, who joined the force in 1991, said: "I'm really excited to be going in to an area I like. I plan to visit as many people as possible and make sure they know my face.

"I'll always be available to listen to people and will try to tackle issues and problems that are affecting the quality of life for people in Haydock East, and, if necessary, I will alter my shifts accordingly."

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