NEW community beat bobby Wayne Curness has promised the people of Knuzden an improved service from the police after taking over the role of tackling its problems.

PC Curness began pounding the streets this week and is already forging links with local people, including the Rev Chris Nelson, vicar of St Oswald's Parish Church.

Wayne, 29, from Rossendale, has previously worked normal duties in Blackburn division but is looking forward to the challenge of his first community beat job.

He said: "The people of Knuzden have had their beat officers taken away from them in the past.

"But I will be here for at least the next two years and hopefully will provide a better service.

"Knuzden is a close-knit community and, from my initial inquiries, there seems to be a juvenile problem which I shall be looking into and taking the appropriate action."

Wayne, a qualified football coach, hopes to get involved with local youth teams and plans to attend local community meetings to meet as many people as possible."

He can be contacted at Blackburn Police Station on 01254 51212, where a message system will operate when he is off-duty.

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