THE number of community support officers patrolling the streets of Widnes has increased by two.

Alison Edwards and Robert Jolliffe, who are probationary police community support officers (PCSOs), joined the other nine PCSOs on the Widnes beat last Monday.

Alison previously worked in child-care and has moved to the area from North Wales.

She said: 'I am looking forward to working in Widnes and will be trying to ensure that the community is well-served by my presence.'

Robert, a Runcorn-based amateur footballer who previously worked in the security industry, is keen to get out and about tackling issues which concern Widnes residents.

The pair are being trained by a dedicated police officer and PCSO and they will be accompanied by trained

officers for their first five weeks before striking out on their own.

A Widnes community action team spokesman said: 'We are very pleased to have the benefit of additional resources as PCSOs have contributed greatly to the policing effort.'