FOLLOWING a series of meetings with community representatives, police chiefs have agreed to appoint a second community beat officer in Whiston.

Members of Whiston Town Council had expressed concern that one beat officer was not enough to deal with the growing problem of disturbances in the area.

Town clerk David Brady told the Star: "Whiston has spread to become a much larger area in recent years and people living in certain neighbourhoods are having trouble with youths who congregate near their houses and cause annoyance. In addition, there has been a marked increase in thefts from cars and other vehicles."

Now, after consultations with police in the area, a second community officer has been appointed to take responsibility for the Lickers Lane area. David added: "This is wonderful news for Whiston and we are delighted that the police have taken our views on board."

Chief Inspector Paul Donnelly told the Star: "Our policy is to maintain a high profile in the borough. The new officer will patrol the Lickers Lane area while the existing bobby will be in charge of the Dragon Lane area, with the two joining forces if needed. We also have our Day and Evening Patrol Section who will be helping the beat officers out."

He also praised the actions of the Knowsley Drugs Unit, adding: "Whiston is no different from any other town in that it has a problem with youths taking drugs. However, the unit has carried out a number of house raids in Prescot and Whiston over the last year and made several arrests."

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