TWO new police community support officers, employed to manage youth problems on Chippenham's Pewsham estate, are getting ready to go it alone, after completing their six-week training programme.

Terry Lee, 55, and Mark McIntyre, 32, joined Wiltshire Police in April as part of a country-wide community policing scheme.

The former retired quality assurance manager and ex-security-guard, have spent the last six weeks shadowing regular police officers and are now qualified to patrol alone.

Their role is to cut instances of unruly behaviour among gangs of youngsters, who routinely gather on the estate. "During the last six weeks we have been observing police techniques, meeting the locals and of course, introducing ourselves to the children on the estate," said Mr McIntyre.

Mr Lee said: "The response from adults and children has been very good, as has feedback from local businesses.

"In fact, we have even had letters from some businesses and individuals saying that just having our presence has improved the attitude of children who gather on the estate."

Although the pair do not have the same powers as police officers, they do have the authority to confiscate alcohol from under-age drinkers and to stop and check drivers.