The Parish Council is delighted to announce that the bid for a Police Community Support Officer has been successful and PCSO Peter Hylands has now been appointed.  He is currently undertaking training and should start work in December. 

PCSO Hylands, who is in his late 20s, is very enthusiastic about his new job and will start to make contact with local people as soon as possible. 

Parish councillor and neighbourhood watch co-ordinator for New Road, Bob Valentine, carried out a great deal of research for the parish council in order to get this officer.  He says: "I would like to help our PCSO  gain a better understanding of both villages needs." 

As we reported earlier in the year, the parish council has agreed to
contribute £15,000 per year to help pay for this officer.  If the benefits experienced by other communities with PCSOs are repeated in South
Darenth and Horton Kirby, it should be money well spent.

Inspector Andrew Pritchard has given the following explanation of PCSO Hylands' role:-            'Firstly and most importantly, this is above and beyond the existing police resources. There is no withdrawal of police officers from any aspect of policing rural or other communities in this county. I anticipate that the new PCSO will be working closely alongside the Rural Beat Officer PC Geordie Laidlow in delivering policing to your area. All PCSOs are given seven weeks training and undergo a