THE man who brought community policing back to Trowbridge leaves today after securing promotion.

Inspector Jon Tapper will leave the top role at Trowbridge police station to become a chief inspector at Devizes police headquarters.

The 43-year-old, who moved to Trowbridge from Wootton Bassett police station three years ago, will take on responsibility for call handling, force operations and the public service desk.

Part of his role will involve working alongside fire and ambulance officials at the £7m joint emergency control centre.

Insp Tapper said: "It will be an interesting experience coming from an operational background.

"I have enjoyed Trow-bridge as a place to work. I live locally so I will always have a vested interest. It has never ceased to amaze me the involvement and the support of other people and agencies in the town. The town council has been very supportive over the years."

The launch of a comprehensive CCTV system and the re-introduction of community policing methods are among major changes implemented during Insp Tapper's appointment.

He said: "We have looked at community safety issues as a whole in the town with topics ranging from parking and traffic flows through to anti social behaviour in the town and estates."

One of the key figures in the design and implementation of plans for a new town police station, Insp Tapper said he hoped to get an invite to the opening this summer.

Colleagues presented him with a limited edition framed print of Trowbridge and a pen on Wednesday.