Say 'ello, 'ello, 'ello to Sandy's two new community police officers who are now on the beat.

PCSOs Stacey Underwood and Victoria Sneath will spend the majority of their time in the town tackling anti social behaviour and issues that affect residents' quality of life.

They are part of a new batch of community officers being introduced across Bedfordshire this year as part of the Government's Safer Neighbourhoods drive.

While they are funded largely by the Home Office, Sandy Town Council is paying £10,000 to give the town greater coverage.

Victoria, 26, said: "It is all about having bobbies on the beat again and taking the pressure off the regular officers who have a lot of paperwork to do now and don't get the chance to do the nicer side of the job of walking around chatting to people.

"Our focus will also be intelligence gathering and we hope to build up a rapport with the community so they will trust us."

Community Support Officers can not arrest people but can issue on the spot fines for minor offences like graffiti, remove or seize vehicles and confiscate drugs and alcohol.

But police say the main benefit is to reassure people and improve communication with the public.

Victoria and Stacey can be reached by calling 01234 842544.

See the July 28 edition of the Biggleswade Chronicle for more on this story.