A BIKING beat bobby has benefited from the generosity of local stores after he appealed to them for help in patrolling his new patch.

Community Support Officer Julian Randall-Stratton needed a new bicycle so he could cover more ground on his new patch in Eldene and Liden.

A shortage in police issue bikes meant he decided to appeal to The Outlet Village and Cycles Warehouse, in Kembrey Park.

They thanked Julian for more than four years of PCSO work in the Rodbourne area by putting up £200 in cash and the bike respectively.

Julian said: “There were not many police pedal cycles available and I needed a new one.

“It helps to get around my beat quicker, while still being easily accessible to the public and people on the street.

“I have a good relationship with the Designer Outlet from four and half years working on that area. And I found a bike shop on the policing sector willing to provide a bike.

“I’d like to thank the businesses for their help and also the residents in the Rodbourne, Even Swindon and Cheney Manor areas for a great four and a half years.”

Tony Davey, the owner of Cycles Warehouse, said: “I’ve know Julian for a few years and when we were in Hawkins Street we had a problem with someone trying to steal something.

“He came down to investigate and since then used to pop in regularly to see us and check everything was al right.

“He came to see me about getting a bike because he needed one for his work and I was more than happy to help him.

“It looks good now it has had all the police stickers put on it and it was nice to be able to give something back.”

Police in Eldene and Liden are holding surgeries on Saturday, April 7 from 9.30am to 10.30am at Eldene Community Centre and 10.45am to 11.45am at Liden Community Centre.