BARNTON is definitely getting a police community support officer from October after a fact finding meeting was held between the force and parish councillors.

Discussions had taken place previously with concerns expressed about having village bobby PC Rob Stopford and a PCSO.

Now parish councillors have decided to have both.

Clr Sarah Carter said: "Before the previous bobby PC Mark Williams was appointed there were major problems in the village with youths and since his departure things have been slipping back.

"Although Barnton is not a bad place compared to other areas, a police presence on the street is necessary. Youths will be kept in line by a PCSO."

Parish Clr Angela Robinson said there were problems which were sometimes serious and she didn't want the situation to get worse.

She said: "Although PC Rob Stopford has been appointed it will take time for him to establish himself in the village and another presence can only be a good thing."

The cost to the parish council of having a PCSO is 35 per cent of £22,000 per annum, which is £7,700.

Barnton Parish Council chairman Maurice Ferguson added: "Residents have been asking for years for a police presence on the streets but this isn't practical.

"As a PCSO will be visible for eight hours a day this is a good step."