NEW Community Support Officers (CSOs) have taken up their duties across Redditch, Bromsgrove and Kidderminster after a four-week long training programme.

The two new CSOs in Redditch are Sharon Jones and Louise Bradbury.

They will be carrying out routine patrols on foot and will be recognisable by their uniforms, which are similar to those of police officers but with blue accessories and silver cap bands edged in blue.

Chief Supt Mark Howard said: "The new CSOs are a welcome addition to our resources and we envisage they will work alongside police officers to help tackle a range of quality of life issues.

"Their cap badges and uniform will clearly state they are CSOs and we hope their high visibility presence will be an important step in providing reassurance.

"They'll be ideally placed to build long-term relationships in the community and we hope once they get established, they'll be seen as trustworthy and approachable, encouraging people to share information."

Chief Supt Howard added: "In other areas of the force where CSOs have been in post for some time, they've made a valuable contribution, offering reassurance, increasing visibility and allowing police officers to focus on reported incidents that only they have the power and training to deal with."