An extra beat bobby is to patrol the streets of Ravenscliffe in the latest measure to stamp out crime on the estate.

From today PC Akki Ullah was joining colleague PC Debbie Hill with responsibilities to man the Ravenscliffe Police Box, walk the streets and discuss concerns with residents.

Statistics show that crime on the estate has fallen by 12 per cent over the last two years and this latest measure is part of a drive to keep the area's crime rates falling.

Inspector Tony Craven, who will work with the two officers, said: "I am keen to continue meeting people and become better acquainted with the issues which are pertinent to the area.

"I will be making strenuous efforts to combat drug-related crime at every opportunity and want to give residents realistic expectations of what the police can do. I will be seeking their support so that we can work on resolving problems together."

Residents on the estate have welcomed the initiative.

Veronica Priestley, 41, who invited Home Secretary Jack Straw to come back to Ravenscliffe when he visited the estate last year, said: "Having an extra police officer is a good idea.

"There's still problems in Ravenscliffe but the estate's certainly got a lot quieter in the last year. Debbie's been really good and is always available to listen."

Ward Councillor Susanne Rooney (Lab, Eccleshill) added that the community had worked hard together with the police to keep crime rates falling.

"The community asked for a second police officer because they want to make Ravenscliffe a better place to live."

The work of the two officers will complement that of the community safety unit and the Shipley and Eccleshill Community Action Team, which was set up last spring to combat crime at its roots.

Eccleshill Police divisional commander Supt David Collins added: "There is still much to do on Ravenscliffe, particularly in relation to the repair and maintenance of the housing stock and upkeep of the area.

"But together with our partners, we are determined to work towards a safer community - there is no turning back."

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