THERE was a change at the top of both uniform and plain-clothed sections at Trowbridge police station as two bosses got to grips with their new jobs this week.

Inspector Glynn Hookings took over from departing Trowbridge inspector Jon Tapper, while Det Insp Marion Deegan became the new head of West Wiltshire CID.

Insp Hookings, who helped oversee the launch of the Joint Emergency Control Centre at Devizes, said his new job in the county town was the icing on the cake for any inspector.

"In the eyes of the public of Wiltshire it is a high profile post," he said.

"For me one of the challenges this year will be moving to the new police station. Having an open plan office with uniform and CID will help create clearer lines of communication."

Improving links with minority communities in Trowbridge is among his main objectives for the immediate future.

He said: "It is about addressing diversity issues and building closer relationships with the gay and lesbian community and the many minority groups in the town.

"Because of the current climate in Iraq it is about making sure the community feels safe and that means all communities."

Insp Hookings plans to meet up with civic leaders over the coming weeks.

The married father-of-three has already had an early taste of major policing incidents in Trowbridge when he helped the communications team resolve the Cross Street armed siege in November.

In west Wiltshire, CID Det Insp Bob Hamlin has moved from the top spot for a new role in the Major Crime Support Unit based at Chippenham. DI Deegan took his place on Monday, fresh from the top post in the Intelligence and Vulnerability department at divisional headquarters in Melksham.

Previously responsible for managing the Child Protect-ion Unit and the monitoring of sex and dangerous offenders, DI Deegan said she is relishing the hands-on post.

"It is going to be a great challenge for me," she said.

"I will be drawing on all my experience. Although we are CID I will be looking at our links with uniform as it is important to link the two."

This is the second Trowbridge posting for DI Deegan, who was last in the county town 14 years ago.

Joining in 1984 as an officer in Warminster, DI Deegan has also held posts in Wilton, Salisbury and Chippenham.