VILLAGERS now have police right at the heart of their community thanks to a new initiative.

A police office has now been installed at the Civic Centre, in Prospect Place, Welwyn, and was formally opened on Wednesday.

Officers will now be on hand to deal with residents’ concerns and carry out security marking, every Monday between 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

Richard Smith, vice-chairman of Herts Police Authority and a Welwyn county councillor, said: “I’m very impressed with what the parish have done and local officer Ben Satchfield should be congratulated on what he has done to achieve this.

“It’s very good, I’m very impressed. It means police are now right in the heart of Welwyn.”

Parish council vice-chairman Peter Neville said: “I think it’s going to be useful for the community.

“Anything that brings the police into the community and makes them available should be something the parish should be doing and assisting.”

On hand at the unveiling were the dedicated officers, called the Welwyn Rural Team.

The group is made up of Pc Ben Satchfield, who deals with Welwyn West, Pc Jamie Johnston, whose patch is Welwyn East, and two PCSOs; Rob Taylor and Andrea Dutson, who cover Welwyn East and West and Welwyn parish respectively. Pc Jamie Johnston praised the new “slick” office at the civic centre and said: “It’s good for us to have a base here, for little things really, like if someone wants to pop down for a quick statement.

“It saves them having to go to WGC, and for people just knowing it’s here makes them feel safer.”

? Residents can also make an appointment outside of the allotted hours by calling 01707 638012 or 07736 225322.