TWO new faces have joined Dursley police station and both are looking forward to getting out into the community.

Dursley police have welcomed a new inspector and community police constable to the current team.

Insp Alistair Barby joined the station this month to replace former inspector Steve Templeton and PC Mark Wilson is a new addition to the Safer Community Team (SCT) and will be the community officer for Cam and Dursley.

Insp Barby, who previously worked for the serious and organised crime unit, said he was looking forward to stepping back into a uniformed role.

"I feel very lucky to come to a place like Dursley. My initial impression so far has been fantastic. People who I have talked to are really proud of the area and they want to keep the place nice.

"I am also very lucky with the team I have here, everyone from the SCT, the Police Community Support Officers and the specials do an excellent job. I just want to continue the good work that has already been going on."

Insp Barby, a father-of-one, joined the police force 15 years ago after leaving the army and has served in all divisions around Gloucestershire.

PC Wilson joined the SCT last month and is an energetic member of the team, keen to get out on his bike and patrol the area.

"In my spare time I like to keep fit and be active," said PC Wilson. "I really enjoy off-road cycling and I am looking forward to patrolling on one of the police bikes that can be used."

In recent years he has completed the Three Peaks Challenge twice, scaling the three highest mountains in Britain in a target time of 36 hours, to raise money for the Meningitis Trust.

PC Wilson, who moved to Dursley from Stroud police station, is tasked with dealing with community issues and keeping Cam and Dursley safe.

"If someone comes to me with a problem and I can't sort it out, I will use other agencies to assist and try different sources until I can come up with an answer," said PC Wilson.

"I hope people feel they can approach me with any concerns they have about crime in the area."

To contact your local policing team with issues and concerns phone 0845 090 1234 or visit the force website at www.gloucestershire.police.uk and click on neighbourhood policing.