A charity in Peasedown St John has purchased new equipment for the village’s mini-police squad.

The Peasedown Community Trust, which runs several projects locally and also provides funding to community groups and individuals facing hardship, has purchased a new speed gun for the team to use.

Last weekend, on behalf of the Trust, Cllr Gavin Heathcote, Cllr Karen Walker and trustee Benice Hampton, presented the new piece of equipment to local PCSOs Tony McIntosh and Louise Jones.

The Mini-Police initiative is a police engagement programme that has been running successfully at Peasedown St John Primary School for the past four years with children in Year 5. Children must apply and be interviewed for the role. They are each given a uniform and attend regular training sessions led by the PCSOs. Topics covered include traffic and speed awareness with a visit from the local police speed enforcement team and first aid training.

Cllr Gavin Heathcote (Independent, Peasedown St John) said: “The Trust has been keen to support the mini-police for some time. The initiative is a fantastic way for young people to learn new skills and build their self-esteem and confidence.

“At the request of our local police team, we purchased a brand-new radar speed gun which will be used for community speedwatch patrols in Peasedown St John.”

Support for the mini-police’s speedwatch activities is part of a wider programme of speed-reduction measures that the village’s community leaders have implemented over the years.

Cllr Karen Walker (Independent, Peasedown St John) added: “Parking buddies outside Peasedown St John Primary School, flashing VAS signs, police patrols in Ashgrove and the introduction of 20mph speed limits in residential areas, are just some of the things we’ve been working on over the years to reduce vehicle speeds and change drivers’ behaviour.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the mini-police in action with their new speed gun. The initiative is a fantastic way to encourage young people to get involved in their local community.”

For more details about Peasedown Community Trust visit www.facebook.com/PeasedownCommunityTrust or email [email protected]