A NEW officer has taken charge of the neighbourhood policing team in Accrington.

Sgt John Kennedy, 40, once gained a Chief Constable's Commendation for outstanding work following a high number of arrests.

He said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining the team. We have forged an excellent relationship with many partner agencies over recent years.

“Both police officers and PCSOs have engaged well with our communities, providing a visible presence and reducing incidents of concern to people, particularly anti social behaviour and criminal damage.

“My priorities are to continue to maintain an effective and highly visible uniformed presence in the town and to listen to issues that are of concern to the public, dealing firmly with those who seek to undermine the quality of life for residents of Accrington.”

He will be responsible for Accrington, Oswaldtwistle, Knuzden, Huncoat, Church and Milnshaw, Central and Springhill, Barnfield, Peel and Woodnook and Baxenden.