This week, Avon and Somerset Police join forces across the community to celebrate the work of our dedicated Neighbourhood Policing Teams, as part of national Neighbourhood Policing Week. The Journal hear from local PCSO Rob Hendra.

The week of action started on Monday, 23rd January and runs until Sunday 29th January and aims to highlight the vital work that neighbourhood officers, PCSOs and volunteers do to keep people safe.

Avon and Somerset Police’s Head of Neighbourhoods and Partnerships Chief Superintendent Liz Hughes said: “Neighbourhood policing teams are at the heart of their communities, working with local people to tackle problems, and solving the issues which matter most to them.

PCSO Rob Hendra, who visited Camerton and Paulton Community Speed Watch teams, told The Journal: "This week is an opportunity to promote the good work that our Neighbourhood Police Teams are working on in our community. Often it is not the glamorous side of Policing that you see on the television, but it is no less valuable.

"Neighbourhood Police Teams work with so many of our key partners, victims and all peoples - it is impossible to list them all. But a practical way that can keep us all safer is by becoming involved with Community Speed Watch (CSW), this is an invaluable resource that helps to keep our communities safer.

Community Speed Watch team in Camerton and Paulton.
(Avon and Somerset Police)

"Our amazing volunteers repeatedly give their time in an attempt to keep us all safe on our roads. There are so many occasions when accidents could have been prevented by driving to the conditions of the road, climate or weather, hazard avoidance and mostly by reducing speed.

"So please drive safely and within the speed limits to ensure yours and others safety. Our volunteers may be making the difference or preventing accidents and saving lives (maybe even yours!) so we thank all our groups for their efforts and let us hope that all of our drivers appreciate that they are safer for their efforts. "

Avon and Somerset Police are marking Neighbourhood Police Teams week all across our area, here is the Peasedown St John Community Speedwatch Group with two local PCSO's: