A CAMPAIGN has been launched to restore a popular beat bobby to the streets of his former patch.

PC Stephen Morris was so popular in Thornaby that members of the Stainsby Beck Residents' Association are organising a petition to bring him back.

The officer has been transferred to a neighbouring ward, but the residents are so determined to have him reassigned that they are setting up a meeting with Cleveland Police.

Les Hodge, a member of the residents' association, said: "He was only on the beat for three or four months, but he had made such a difference.

We couldn't believe it when they decided to move him to a different area.

"In the short time he was in Thornaby, he took an active role in dealing with our concerns about motorbikes and anti-social behaviour. Some people would think it is unusual for residents to want to keep a beat bobby, but he has been really popular and we are starting a petition to get him back.

"The officer took it upon himself to go the extra mile to help residents and we think that it is only right that we go the extra mile to show that we want him back in Thornaby."

The residents are working with their ward councillor Derrick Brown to try to arrange a meeting with the police to resolve their concerns.

Stockton District Commander, Superintendent Darren Best, said: "It is usual for officers to move posts around the force for a number of reasons, which include both operational and development purposes.

"We would not comment specifically on the reasons for individual moves.

"Residents in the Stainsby Hill area should be reassured that they have a team of dedicated officers policing their area at all times.

"The posting of PC Morris onto the Thornaby neighbourhood policing team was always only for a temporary period. However, he has obviously made an impact in the four months in which he has been on the team.

"Neighbourhood officers have spoken to residents about their concerns.

"Their opinions are extremely important to us and while currently PC Morris doesn't form part of the policing team in the Thornaby area, I will continue to assess the situation personally and will feed back directly to the Residents' Association."