AFTER two years of campaigning, residents on a troubled Droitwich estate look set to see the return of their beat bobby.

Residents of Westlands are celebrating a triumph for people power after it was revealed that West Mercia Police has earmarked a beat bobby for the estate, which has become notorious for crime.

But, because the post and details are yet to be finalised, a petition with more than 500 signatures, which was started before the announcement, will still be presented to the police.

Jean-Marie Sparkes, who lives on the estate and started the petition, welcomed the move enthusiastically.

Ecstatic

"We are ecstatic that people power seems to have finally succeeded but we will carry on with the petition to ensure we do get our bobby back," she said.

"Hopefully, the new officer will help bring piece of mind to all residents in the area and those living in fear will now be able to get on with their lives knowing they will be that bit safer," she added. Residents and members of the Westlands Forward pressure group began campaigning almost two years ago when they found out that their bobby was going to retire and that he was not going to be replaced.

Westlands Forward chairman Tony Thompson welcomed the move as a victory for the estate's people.

"It looks 95 per cent certain that we will get our bobby back, which is fantastic news for the campaigners and residents, who will hopefully feel a lot safer in the future," he said.

Droitwich Spa town councillor John Cook (Lab - Droit West) said the move would mean the estate is a safer place.

"This is the first stage of cutting the amount of crime on the Westlands.

It will hopefully give people the assurance that they will be able to walk around in safety, knowing there will be an officer there," he said.

Droitwich Spa beat manager, Police Constable Alun Jones, confirmed that a beat bobby has been earmarked for Westlands estate for the near future, but said details of the appointment were yet to be finalised.