A POLICE force is turning back the clock to make a community safer.

Dixon of Dock Green-type policing is being re-introduced across Stockton, giving neighbourhoods their own recognisable beat bobbies.

And it could only be a matter of time before the pendulum swings back throughout Teesside.

To begin with, 34 police officers will patrol 26 beats, or wards, across Stockton. Each area will have one or more police officers, backed by a team of more than 20 police community support officers.

Thirty years ago, there were public meetings across Teesside and angry letters written to newspapers decrying the nationwide introduction of panda cars and the phasing out of foot patrols.

Residents and businesses alike warned that taking police officers off the streets and putting them into patrol cars would play into the hands of criminals who could soon spot a police car, but could not predict when a foot patrol would round a street corner.

Now, Cleveland Police say they are putting the reassurance back on the streets, with the return of bobbies on the beat.

Stockton Police divisional commander Superintendent Dave Brunskill said: "This is part of the chief constable's putting people first initiative and part of his vision to have true neighbourhood policing in all communities across the force.''

A pilot scheme tested in Stockton's Parkfield and Mill Lane areas has already won national recognition for community bobbies Les Gray and Alan Fish.

Supt Brunskill said: "We are determined to continue that success and deliver premier league policing across Stockton.

"Officers, police community support officers, partners from other agencies - and more importantly, the community - will work together to provide sustainable solutions in order to drive down incidents of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour which causes so much anguish and frustration.''

Cleveland Chief Constable Sean Price revealed yesterday that bobbies would soon be on the beat across the entire force area.

He said: "I want to see ward policing throughout Cleveland. It is a development of the partnership working we have pioneered and expanded. In this case, it creates and strengthens the bonds and trust that builds up between the public and our officers.''