PC Nick Williams will work six days a week in a bid to tackle crime around the main shopping streets.

Speaking exclusively to the Knutsford Guardian last week Sergeant Kevin Fryer said he hoped it would make people visiting the town feel safer.

"The aim is to reduce crime, but more importantly to reduce the fear of crime," he said.

"Knutsford is not the worst place in the division, but people will feel more secure with a new policeman on the beat."

Sgt Fryer and Inspector Stuart Warmisham had to explain to the divisional commander why Knutsford needed a full-time policeman.

In their report they talked about the spate of attacks on pensioners which angered residents last year as well as the number of thefts and problems caused by under-aged drinkers in the town.

"A full-time town centre policeman is something we have had before and we are simply getting back," said Sgt Fryer.

"We have had to justify the need for it and our gain is some elses loss."

Pc Williams, who will patrol the Bexton and Nether wards, has spent the last week meeting traders and residents and last night was expected to speak to Knutsford town councillors.

He will work flexible hours so that he can target specific problems.

"The feedback I have had so far has been very positive," he said.

On Friday Don Harkness, whose mum Joan had her wrist broken when she was mugged in December, welcomed the news, but said it was too late for some.

"It is a little too late for those old people who have been battered and deprived of the few pounds they had," he said.

"But it is welcomed and is better than nothing at all."