New dedicated police support for Melksham

MELKSHAM has been assigned its own dedicated police community coordinator.

PC Lee Pelling is expected to step into the role by the end of this month.

Explaining the role to Melksham News, PC Pelling said, “A community coordinator provides the overarching link between the police community support officers (PSCO) and the community policing team (CPT) on the ground, the local community, the town and parish councils, and the Melksham Community Safety Group. 

“I will represent the CPT at relevant community meetings when possible, as well as provide reports and updates on issues affecting the community.

“Melksham currently has four dedicated PCSOs looking after the town and surrounding parishes and villages. Together we will work to identify and coordinate medium and long-term priorities within the community, work with partner agencies and the wider CPT to provide and deliver a problem-solving approach.

“As community coordinator, my role will be to specifically guide, support and direct the PCSOs, enabling them to deliver the most effective solutions for their local priorities and ensure that they remain visible within their beat areas, enabling them to work closely with their communities. I will also provide ongoing guidance, support to the wider CPT team officers, sergeants, deputy and inspector regarding matters affecting Melksham.”

About his previous experience, PC Pelling said, “I have been a police officer for nearly 17 years, with most of my service dedicated to community policing in some form, including neighbourhood policing as a beat manager in both the Trowbridge and Bradford on Avon areas. More recently, in November 2017,  I became a community coordinator for West Wiltshire CPT, with geographical responsibility for Westbury, Warminster, Tisbury and Mere.

“I have built up considerable experience and knowledge in a problem solving and partnership working approach to policing, supported town and parish councils and community groups with medium to long term matters and issues which arise.

“I am very much looking forward to this new challenge and getting to know the people and community of Melksham and the surrounding area.”