AN Oxfordshire town council has announced it will pay for a dedicated Police Community Support Officer for up to three years.

Carterton near Witney made the agreement this month.

Announcing the news, the council told locals that Carterton was one of the safest places to live and work in Oxfordshire.

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However the authority went on: "As with other communities throughout the area there is a fear of becoming a victim of crime amongst elderly and vulnerable groups."

The council said that in paying for the new post through Thames Valley Police it had three main aims:

• To help to reduce the fear of crime;

• To deter crime;

• To work in conjunction with the schools officer within the primary schools in Carterton to enable young people to be responsible citizens.

Mayor of Carterton and town council leader Michele Mead said: “We want to ensure that Carterton remains one of the safest places to live in Oxfordshire.

"The appointment of the PCSO, who will focus their efforts on the Carterton Community, will provide re-assurance and support to all of our residents and visitors."

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Superintendent Mark Johns, Local Police Area Commander for Cherwell and West Oxfordshire said: “Our PCSOs are an essential part of neighbourhood policing. Their role is important in engaging with local communities, reassuring the public and preventing crime.

“I would like to thank Carterton Town Council for their continued support in making West Oxfordshire a safe place to live and work.”

The council said the officer would start work 'shortly'.

The news also comes after it was announced this month that Oxfordshire will get 183 police officers in the next year.

It comes after Boris Johnson pledged to create 20,000 new roles across the entire country.