SIDMOUTH Police will benefit from the addition of two police officers under new plans to improve performance and increase visibility in local policing. It was announced last month that as part of a major reshuffle, 200 backroom Devon and Cornwall office

SIDMOUTH Police will benefit from the addition of two police officers under new plans to improve performance and increase visibility in local policing.

It was announced last month that as part of a major reshuffle, 200 'backroom' Devon and Cornwall officers would be made into frontline staff in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and other burning issues.

As a result Sidmouth Police will welcome PC Eliska Hallett-Jacksonsmith who begins her new duties next week and another officer, yet to be confirmed, who is due to start within the next month.

The two extra officers will add to the five-strong team at Sidmouth, which includes PCs Adam Johnson, Adrian Tapp, Michael Baker, Vicky Harper and Jenny Palmer.

In addition to this, the neighbourhood team-including Sergeant Andy Turner, PC Steve Lemon, PC Dave Wallace, PCSOs Jay Pepper, Steve Blanchford-Cox and Alex Powe- will continue their duties.

A delighted Sergeant Andy Turner said: "Members of the community have been pushing for an increase in staffing at Sidmouth for some time now. The town council has been working with Inspector Jim Gale to make this happen.

"We are really pleased to have extra resources available to assist officers who have worked extremely hard during this difficult time of lower resources than normal."

Sergeant Turner added that the number of Special Constables has also increased and there are now seven SCs who volunteer their spare time.

He said: "We are very pleased with their work, especially in relation to deterring anti-social behaviour in the town. We would encourage anyone who would like to become a Special Constable to visit the station.