BUDE Police Comm­unity Support Officer Jo Wilson will soon leave her PCSO job to start work as a Crime Investigator at Bodmin Police Station.

Through the 'Post,' she wished to say goodbye and say a big thank you to everyone she has worked with during her time in Bude.

PCSO Wilson said: "It's been a joy to have been here over the last two years. I've been fortunate to do a job I love and as an added bonus been paid for it! Hopefully I will have forged some valuable links within the community that will stay with us for some time to come.

"I will be replaced in due course in any case you all still have Lisa Jasper my colleague PCSO who has been here since last November and Lester Marland our rural PCSO. They are always welcome of any contact, feel free to let them know of any of your neighbourhood problems."

Of the work she has carried out during her time in Bude, PCSO Wilson said she was especially proud of the the work at Hillhead Estate in Stratton and Broadclose Estate in Bude.

"When I started as PCSO two years ago, Hillhead had a number of problems that were causing frustration to the residents. Problems included speeding vehicles, the park being misused by underage drinkers, graffiti, and anti-social behaviour amongst other things.

"The Residents' Association was 'revived' and with help from local residents, NCDC housing and Street Scene and other agencies we all got together to resolve the problems. We used a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) postcard process, which got to the root of the issues and made sure we had regular and productive Resident Association meetings. Today the meetings are still ongoing, as and when something raises its head as a problem, it is dealt with quickly and efficiently by either the police, housing or whichever partner is responsible."

Hillhead has also seen the launch of The Junior Park Ranger scheme, which was devised as a joint initiate between PCSO Wilson and North Cornwall District Council.

The Junior Park Rangers work within their local parks to litter pick, monitor damage, record graffiti and promote good citizenship to their piers. It's about allowing the children to be proud of the area they live and play in. Rangers are rewarded by way of CATS vouchers and awards. If any one else is interested in joining for their local parks, please get in touch with wither PCSO Wilson or Jasper at Bude Police Station.

She continued: "At Broadclose it's been more difficult. The new development was much bigger and had four partners to liaise with rather than one! NCDC, Midas, West­country and Guinness have been consulted and lobbied to provide adequate facilities. Thanks to them for their assistance. I am aware I'm leaving with still no proper area developed for the older youngsters to spend time in but I can assure you many long hard hours have been put in by myself to negotiate funds and plans for the site, which I'm sure will come to fruition sooner rather than later. Hopefully not long to wait now! I'm also submitting a Children In Need bit before I go.

"Again here at Broadclose, The Residents Association are nice and strong and working together especially with the youngsters there and our Junior Committee we will achieve what we set out to do. We are nearly there and if anyone else can offer support or advice please come forward."

"The reports of anti-social and nuisance behaviour have reduced substantially over the last few weeks which I count as a big success. Neigh­bourhood Watch will be up and running by the end of the month — the volunteer co-ordinators are meeting this week and I'll update all those who wish to belong on the progress of this before I leave at the end of the month."

PCSO  Wilson concluded: "My most enjoyable times have been with the young people of my beat. It's been very rewarding to see some of you change your behaviour from something verging on criminal to be respectable young guys and girls who set a good example to your younger peers. Some of you really have been an inspiration. Keep it up!

"Feel free to get in touch before I go — I'll try and walk my beats as much as possible over the next two weeks to say cheerio personally!"