A former Royal Navy serviceman, who left the police control room after 20 years to become a PCSO, has joined Sidmouth’s neighbourhood team.

Dave Keeler has moved from Honiton to replace Jay Bowden, who has left the police force.

He will help tackle the Sidmouth neighbourhood team’s priorities, which have been set for the next six months as speeding, antisocial behaviour and rural car park crime.

Officers continue to host ‘Have Your Say’ surgeries in the town’s Blackmore Drive library, but Sergeant Andy Squires said resourcing issues meant the link with the mobile library had to end.

Sgt Squires said: “We were very sad to see Jay Bowden leave at the end of last year and would like to thank her for all her hard work.

“We are pleased, however, to welcome Dave Keeler, who has joined us from Honiton.

“Please come along and meet him at one of our ‘Have Your Say’ surgeries in Sidmouth Library, which we will be holding every five weeks from February 1.”

PCSO Keeler, married for 30 years, has two adult sons and describes himself as a family man.

He said: “If your readers see me around Sidmouth, please feel free to stop me for a chat - even if it’s just to say hello.”

The policing priorities were set based on feedback from the public.