The end of an era will be marked today as Southend's borough patrol go out on the beat for the last time.
Last patrol - Roger Robinson and Sylvia Papagelakis in Southend Picture: DAVE HENDERSON
The one-time ten-strong team - which tackled untaxed vehicles, flyposting, flytipping, dog fouling, and nuisance behaviour - has gradually been reduced to two patrol officers as the council phased the team out.
The borough patrol are being replaced by police community support officers, who have similar powers but come under the control of police commanders.
Acting senior borough patrol officer Roger Robinson said: "I'm very proud to have been part of the borough patrol. We have made a difference to Southend - a better place to live, work and visit."
Four of the borough patrol officers will join the PCSOs, while most of the others are taking on other roles with the council.
Ann Holland, executive councillor for environmental and public protection, said: "When we started the borough patrol, PCSOs were not in the offing. When PCSOs were coming on board it seemed a good idea to merge the two."
Published Friday August 20, 2004
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