'˜Bus Beat' - it's just the ticket!

PCSO Lucy Holland-Hancock sets out on her Bus Beat patrol EMN-160427-103206001

‘Bus Beat’ will see Police Community Support Officer Lucy Holland-Hancock travel on the number six Stagecoach service between Horncastle and Wragby.

Details of the scheme were first revealed in the Rasen Mail.

And PSCO Holland-Hanock said she was already helping passengers on the route.

She revealed: “On my first trip, an elderly man approached me and raised a couple of issues.

“I was able to get them sorted out as soon as possible.

“The man was from Skegness so it just shows the idea can help anyone – not just people living in Horncastle and Wragby.

PCSO Holland-Hancock stressed the initial reaction from passengers to ‘Bus Beat’ was very positive.

She added: “I suppose they are a bit surprised to see an officer on a bus but I’ve had a really good reaction.

“It’s a chance to meet people. I’ve had some good feedback – from right across a range of ages.

“It’s not just older people. A lot of young people travel on that route an they’ve been happy to speak to me.

“I think the fact it is a less formal atmosphere than a police station means in general, people are a lot more open.

“They tell me about things which they might not normally do so it’s great.

“There were also some people from outside the county on the bus and they thought it was a terrific idea so from a PR point of view, it’s also very positive.”

Apart from noting any concerns or issues, PCSO Holland-Hancock will be able to offer reassurance and advice to passengers.

Michelle Hargreaves, Stagecoach East Midlands Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to team up with Horncastle Neighbourhood Policing Team to launch Bus Beat.

“The initiative will give our passengers the chance to meet and talk with their local community police officer. People are often busy so Bus Beat is a great way to run these on-board surgeries.”

l Bus Beat will operate at least once a week and the days and times will vary. Advance notice will go out via Lincs Alert, the community messaging service, the Neighbourhood Police team’s Twitter feed @HorncastleNPT, the Wragby newsletter. Posters will also be displayed on the bus.

For more information call PCSO Holland-Hancock on 07500 920076 or email [email protected].