EXTRA police patrols are hitting the streets of Royston after a �50,000 investment from Royston First Business Improvement District (BID). The BID company will fund two officers to carry out two extra eight-hour patrols a week of the town centre and indus

EXTRA police patrols are hitting the streets of Royston after a �50,000 investment from Royston First Business Improvement District (BID).

The BID company will fund two officers to carry out two extra eight-hour patrols a week of the town centre and industrial areas.

Royston First's Geraint Burnell said: "These patrols are designed to increase security for the business community, but also to address any issues which might arise surrounding anti-social behaviour.

"The scheme is flexible, so we will be constantly liaising with the police to make sure the patrols are carried out at suitable times to combat any particular problems that may arise.

"This is the biggest project Royston First will be undertaking in 2009, and one of five or six that the security working party are looking into," he said.

Officers will be paid overtime to carry out the patrols, and Chief Inspector for North Herts, Geoff Camp, said they will provide "an extra layer" of policing for Royston.

Ch Insp Camp said: "Royston will get the same level of funding it has always had, and we've just brought in an extra constable to join the neighbourhood team. What Royston First are helping with is above and beyond the usual provision.

"This agreement is one of the first of its type in the country and I am extremely pleased we are able to work with Royston First and partners to add another layer to our patrol capability in the town.

"During the first patrols, no business crime took place at premises involved in Royston First and feedback to officers was extremely positive."

Royston First has committed a maximum of �50,000 to the scheme, with the cash to be paid in three instalments.

Mr Burnell said this would "allow the initiative to evolve" throughout the year.

Kevin McGetrick, the Police Authority lead for North Herts, said, "I am extremely grateful to the Royston First Business Improvement District, who clearly recognise that additional policing can enhance shoppers' feelings of safety, while deterring opportunistic crime against businesses.

"This is truly an impressive partnership initiative which, given these challenging trading times, will hopefully result in more customers coming to the town.