New initiative will give Malvern and Upton a 'bobby on the beat'

The role has been funded for an initial six month trial period from May 1 but is expected to be turned into a full-time post when the trial ends in December.

The officer will be based at Malvern police station and is being given what Inspector Neville Sheldrick describes as a "troubleshooting" remit in the three 'towns' of Malvern - Barnards Green, Malvern Link, Great Malvern - and Upton.

As well as helping to ensure more visible policing in the area the trial period takes in the summer and autumn period when, Malvern in particular, experiences greater problems with vandalism and rowdy behaviour.

"It will be a trial for six months but I am fairly confident it will turn into a full-time post because I know the demand is there," said Insp Sheldrick, the man in charge of the Malvern station.

He added that it would be down to the officer taking on the role to decide how his time was split between each beat.

"You need to go and have an assessment of the four 'towns' and where the need is, by speaking to people," he explained.

One of the things the new officer will be asked to keep an eye on is on-street parking, which Insp Sheldrick regards as a safety and quality of life issue that can be solved with simple common sense.

"We don't see it as parking, we see it as road safety. Parking isn't a priority, all I want is some consideration," he said.

Being considerate to other road users, including pedestrians, is, he added, something that we seem to have lost.

The four 'towns' will, Insp Sheldrick believes, benefit greatly from having a bobby people who live and work there know will be visiting.

The officer will be able to offer advice on such things as security and sheer presence will deter criminals.

"I do believe the people out there paying rates and business rates and a lot of what they have said to us can be resolved by a police officer being present," added Insp Sheldrick

"As often as I can get officers walking the streets I will do."