PONTYPOOL'S new Police Inspector has outlined his vision for the town - to make it a safer and better place to live and work in.

Inspector Paul Jackson was appointed nine weeks ago and has wasted no time in familiarizing himself with the issues the area faces.

"My main priority is policing the town effectively," he says.

"Having been here a few weeks I can see it's both a challenging and tough town to police, this is not just due to the type of crime it suffers, but also the geography of the area.

"My predecessor Jo Bull has done an excellent job and has made mine easier because of the foundations she has laid and I am looking forward to building and enhancing these."

Inspt Jackson, aged 40, and originally from Newcastle, initially signed up for a career in the fire service, serving five years after leaving school and then entering the police force, after which he spent nine years in Hong Kong as an Inspt for the British Colonial Force.

On returning to the UK he worked for the South Wales Police Force prior to joining Gwent Police in 2003.

Follow that with placements and promotions in Newport, Pontypridd and Abergavenny, you will now find him "extremely happy" to be in Pontypool.

"From working in all divisions I have got a good overview of what is happening around the force, it provides me with a different perspective of working. Pontypridd is very similar to Pontypool in its context as a market town with both a valleys and urban community and this experience will assist me."

Among his areas of action are:

Continuing to work with traders to combat crime in the town centre Conducting on-going operations targeting vehicle crime in Blaenavon, Abersychan and Pontypool

Investigating reports of nuisance drivers in Blaenavon

Following up breaches of curfew and anti social behaviour orders.

Inspt Jackson added that he is keen to work with local organisations and communities to help tackle these issues.