Following the news in yesterday's Evening Press that Selby Police's Community Safety Team is going to expand, reporter Alex Lloyd spoke to residents and traders in Selby town centre to gauge their views on local policing.

PEOPLE on the streets of Selby have given a cautious welcome to the news that two additional beat officers and five community support officers are to join the battle against crime and disorder in the district.

Andrea Welsh, 35, of Abbot's Road, Selby, said: "We see our officer about and it's really good that they check all the alleys and back lanes.

"The fact that the police are more noticeable now has to be a good thing."

Hannah Malarkey, 21, and Grayden Keeble, 17, of Selby, said they had also spotted the community beat officers patrolling.

"I suppose things are a bit better," said Hannah.

"But the amount of crime compared to the size of Selby is unbelievable."

Shop worker Steve Hick, 44, of Kirkby Road, Selby, said he wanted to see more patrols around the stores in Gowthorpe.

"Saturday is the worst day for us. These new officers are not before time, but we still need more bobbies on the beat."

Ben Astin, 18, Fairway, Selby, said he was currently finishing college and planned to join the police force.

"I've heard about the new officers, but I've not really seen any.

"I also don't think the new community support officers will be respected compared to normal police officers."

But residents of some of local villages had noticed less of an impact from the new scheme.

Edward Koczy, 49, of Kellington, said: "In the last two years I've had my car stolen and my house burgled.

"I've not seen any officers on the beat in my village, but there has been a large police presence in the cars."

Linda Livsey, 55, of Hambleton, asked: "Are those the ones on the bikes? I see them in Selby but not in Hambleton.

"Touch wood, I've not suffered any crime, but I work in Safeways and we get a lot of shoplifters."

She suggested that Selby Police Station in Portholme Road should have longer opening hours.

"I do think they should extend the opening times past 5pm. It should be manned all the time, or at least until after the pubs kick out."

Updated: 12:24 Tuesday, June 10, 2003