A NEW beat bobby will begin pounding the streets in one of Blackburn's crime hotspots at the end of this month.

PC Steve Jenkinson is to take up the role of community policeman for the Whitebirk estate.

He will be a highly visible presence on the estate and the surrounding area, patrolling mainly on foot. For the past two years PC Jenkinson, 24, has been patrolling the Blackburn North area as a response officer.

He is currently working undercover on the Whitebirk estate to gather intelligence on known criminals and troublemakers.

The intelligence will be used to obtain Anti Social Behaviour Orders from the magistrates courts to curb persistent offenders.

Insp John O'Reilly, the officer in charge of policing Blackburn North, said: "Steve will become a familiar sight on foot in the area and will be available to deal with community issues that affect the quality of life of residents."