Anti-social behaviour officers patrol town centre

Two uniformed anti-social behaviour officers are patrolling a town centre six days a week to make it safer and more inviting for visitors.

The officers will patrol Northampton as part of a 12-month initiative, organised by West Northamptonshire Council and the Northamptonshire police, fire and crime commissioner.

Patrols will also take place at weekends, "when footfall in the town is at its highest", the council said.

Insp Nic Davis-Lyons, of Northamptonshire Police, said their presence had "already resulted in positive feedback from local residents and businesses".

"Making our town centre a nice place to live, visit and work in, is a priority for us and we're grateful to work alongside partners with exactly the same aim," said Insp Ms Davis-Lyons.

The patrols will continue for a year in Northampton town centre

The officers' aim is to discourage low-level crime and anti-social behaviour, focus on engaging with young people and offer support - and help people access local services and activities.

They will also be able to hand out fixed penalty notices.

Reform UK councillor Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said it was working to make the town "a safer and more inviting place to all".

Danielle Stone, the Labour police, fire and crime commissioner, said: "I want our town centres to be safe places that are welcoming to everyone.

"Anti-social behaviour has an enormous impact on people's lives and livelihoods and funding these officers is one way that we can show we have listened to the issues that concern people in Northampton town centre, and are tackling them head on."

Danielle Stone said the initiative was working to make Northampton safer