AMESBURY councillors have praised the work of their new police community support officer.

Speaking at last week's town council meeting, Mayor of Amesbury Allan Peach said he was delighted with the work being done by the support officer and his progress to date.

Mr Peach said: "It will help give some reassurance to elderly people and make Amesbury a safer place to walk around at night."

Councillor John Noeken added: "I think it seems to be working very well in these early stages.

"It just shows you that Amesbury is becoming, dare I say it, a safer and more law-abiding town," he said.

Support officer Geoff Paffett was assigned to Amesbury, Durrington and Bulford in a bid to improve the quality of life in those communities and offer greater public reassurance.

Since he took up the post last month, only 18 people have been cautioned for antisocial behaviour, such as playing football in the road, verbal abuse and intimidating behaviour.

There has also been a significant drop in the number of people drinking in the alcohol-free zones.

Police have not received any complaints this summer about drunken or rowdy behaviour.