PRESTONPANS’ new community police officer has vowed to do all he can to ensure the town remains a safe and enjoyable place to live.

PC John Mann, 36, will join PC Fiona Cunningham and PC Dermott Maughan as part of a team of three community officers who cover the Preston Seton Gosford area. PC Mann’s arrival will take the current PSG community team from two officers to three, in reflection of recent issues in the area.

PC Mann and PC Maughan, who both recently joined the ward team, succeed PC Walker Nixon, who recently left his role as a PSG officer.

PC Mann (pictured right), whose first shift was on June 26, is a well-known face in East Lothian, having spent 11 years in the police, the majority in response and pro-active policing.

For the last two years, he has been a temporary sergeant at both Musselburgh and Haddington stations.

The new community officer said: “I am looking forward to learning about issues which are affecting the community, engaging with members of the public in order to get their views on the issues which are affecting them, and working with partners to rectify these problem areas.

“I am a proactive officer and will be looking initially to improve road safety, anti-social behaviour and issues raised by alcohol and drugs misuse.”

Chief Inspector Neil Mitchell, local area police ccommander, said: “We have to make changes to move forward.

“PC Mann will be a fresh pair of eyes for crime in the area.”