Skipton has a new town sergeant – and his first priority will be anti-social behaviour.

Sgt Paul Evans will oversee two constables and six police and community support officers in the town centre’s safer neighbourhood team. He succeeds Sgt Paul Cording, who is moving to Harrogate as a traffic sergeant.

“I think Skipton’s biggest problems are under-age drinking, purse thefts – although numbers are decreasing – and anti-social behaviour in Aireville Park, the Ginnel and around the canal boats,” said Sgt Evans. “It is low-level crime, but it affects people the most.”

He will also seek a solution to increased parking on residential streets in the Rockwood area after HML’s move to new premises on Gargrave Road.

“It is causing upset,” he said. “I’m there to try to mediate between all parties. It’s all about working in partnership. We are here to help and listen.”

He said he would also be trying to dispel the perception that crime levels in the town were high: “I want people to realise they do live in a lovely place.”

Sgt Evans, 35, has been in the police for 14 years, starting in Bradford before moving to Skipton nine years ago. He was a PC in Cross Hills and a response team sergeant.

He is married with three young children and lives in South Craven, but is planning to move to Skipton. “I see Skipton as home,” he said.

* Contact the safer neighbourhood team at SNTCraven@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk