A NEW police sector has been created for Bromsgrove town centre.

The sector team was launched last week and is being managed by Sergeant Dougie Gray.

It has a beat manager, PC Spike Jenkins, and two officers, PCs Mike Morton and Jamie Harrison. A third officer, PC Steve Allen, will join the team at the end of the month.

The new sector incorporates High Street, Worcester Road as far as Charford Road island, Sanders Park, Bromsgrove School, the recreation ground, the retail park in Birmingham Road, the Artrix and the Dolphin Centre.

Sgt Gray said: "In the town centre sector we will be looking at various issues in partnership with members of the local community, including residents, shopkeepers, licensees, restaurant and takeaway outlet owners and taxi drivers.

"We will be addressing not only crime, violence and underage drinking, but also the fear of crime, and our aim is to make the town centre a safer and more pleasant place to visit both during the day and in the evenings."

Sgt Gray said among the initiatives the sector will be considering are revitalising the Shopwatch and Pubwatch schemes and possibly getting an alcohol free zone in the town centre. He added: "There will also be more uniformed foot patrols to provide reassurance and act as a deterrent to crime and anti-social behaviour."

Chief Inspector Charlie Hill said: "This is a really exciting time and I believe this sector team will have a significant impact on town centre issues both during the day and in the evening."