SOME new faces have been seen patrolling the streets of Weston s south ward.

SOME new faces have been seen patrolling the streets of Weston's south ward.

Sergeant Shane Hawkings has begun work as the new community sergeant for the area and Nicky Adams has become community beat manager for the Oldmixon and Potteries estates.

Sgt Hawkings, who grew up on the Oldmixon, has replaced Sergeant Gareth Starr who moved to Clevedon police station in December.

Sgt Hawkings said his main task will be to concentrate on getting the community more involved in the policing of the area they live in.

He added: "I want to quickly implement the Safer, Stronger Neighbourhood scheme.

"It is about enhancing the role of the community beat manager and ensuring communities play a greater role in identifying and responding to the issues that matter to them."

The 40-year-old has been in the force for 15 years, during which he has worked as a beat manager for the south ward, before being promoted to sergeant and moving to Nailsea and subsequently Weston.

Nicky Adams, aged 23, has been in the police for 2 and a half years. She worked as part of the rapid response teams before moving to the south ward office.

She said: "I like a bit of a challenge. I decided becoming a beat manager would mean I could get to meet more people.

"I wanted to work with a community rather than running around all the time.

"I have only been doing the job a couple of months and already people are recognising me and stopping to chat to me.

"There's so much scope to improve this area."

The south ward team can be contacted at Weston police station on 0845 456 7000.