BEWDLEY'S new local policing officer is looking to introduce new initiatives designed to tackle antisocial driving as well as drink and drug related problems in the town.

Pc Steve Yapp will be aiming to adapt schemes used to address similar issues in Bromsgrove town centre where he spent the last three years as the LPO. Bewdley is his first Wyre Forest posting although he is no stranger to the area, having lived in Kidderminster for the last 11 years.

Pc Yapp replaces Pc Pauline Montague who is currently taking a career break.

He said: “Bewdley is also well served by special constables so we have a strong team here and I hope to be involved in as much proactive community policing as possible.

“I know the town well and as the new beat manager will be looking to introduce campaigns to deal with so-called boy racers and alcohol related antisocial behaviour, particularly at weekends.

“These schemes worked well in Bromsgrove, which is a similar market town, and I am hoping that they will have a beneficial impact here as well.”

Pc Yapp is a former Territorial Army officer and is a standard bearer for the Royal British Legion, of which he is a member.

He is also the standard bearer for West Mercia Police.