Selby'S new community policing unit is set to expand following a successful first two months.

Two additional community beat officers (CBOs) will join the team of seven who began their duties on April 7, providing a visible police presence across the district and a point of contact for the local community.

It is believed that the new CBOs will be operational by the end of the year and cover patches in the Tadcaster and Sherburn-in-Elmet areas.

The officers are part of the new Community Safety Team, at Selby Police headquarters, in Portholme Road. The team includes the police licensing officer, community safety officer, neighbourhood watch co-ordinator and youth involvement officer, all previously based in Barlby. Sgt John Manuel, head of the Community Safety Team, said he was very pleased with the progress of his new "bobbies on the beat", but admitted it was still early days.

"Things are going very well but the officers are still finding their feet, getting out and about, getting to know the right people.

resources. The expansion of the CBO initiative follows the recent announcement that Selby will have five new-style community support officers from June 23, who deal with anti-social behaviour and boost manpower in emergency situations.

They will have no powers of arrest but will be able to issue fixed penalties and confiscate alcohol.

Updated: 09:52 Tuesday, June 10, 2003