BOBBIES are back on the beat in Worcester. West Mercia Police have appointed an officer dedicated to policing Worcester city centre and the alcohol-free zone.

PC Andy Court acts as both a deterrent and as a "watchful eye" to catch persistent offenders.

His arrival has been given an enthusiastic welcome by traders.

Last month, the Evening News told how some High Street traders questioned the success of the alcohol free zone, which has been in place for about five years.

Now they say they are sure the high-visibility policing method will be a hit.

"It will add to the feeling of safety that people have in the city centre," said Paul Sanders, manager of Marks & Spencer's High Street store.

"And what's great from a retail point of view is that we build up a rapport with the officer, which makes our own security efforts much easier. We support the scheme 100 per cent."

Jeanette Thomas, manager of CrownGate shopping centre, was equally positive about the move.

"We definitely support the action," she said. "Of course we have our own security guards to try and stop any unwanted behaviour in stores, but to have extra support is great."

"It's a marvellous idea and I'm sure it will be highly successful. We fully support anything that makes Worcester a safer city,'' said Sean Sollom, operations manager at the Lychgate shopping centre,

West Mercia Constabulary introduced the foot patrol officer specifically to target anti-social behaviour, begging and "quality of life issues".

"Drinking on the streets and begging has always been something that has concerned the residents," said beat manager PC Mick Norton.

"Since I began in this role 12 months ago, the number of people begging on the streets has decreased. The alcohol by-law prevents people drinking in the streets and anyone caught doing so is reported for summons."

PC Court will work in tandem with schemes already in place in the city, such as the alcohol-free zone and anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs).

ASBOs have been particularly successful in reducing the numbers of people swearing, begging and drinking in the city. It orders them to stop, and, if broken, can lead to a prison sentence.

There are many other existing methods of policing that are less well known.

''I regularly take part in meetings with the city centre forum and am heavily involved with the CCTV system and pub and shop watch schemes," said PC Norton.

"And to reinforce our commitment to the city there is now a dedicated response officer."