AFTER nine and a half years with Dursley police, PCSO Joshua Griffiths will be moving to continue his career in the Forest of Dean.

Known by many in the Dursley community, Joshua, 28, will continue his career in the Forest after making a decision to move stations due to personal reasons.

He has made frequent visits to secondary and primary schools in the area, most recently working with the town council to get youngsters involved with road safety by creating signs and manning speed guns.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for the Dursley Community and during that time I am very impressed in the commitment and respect which residents for the area in which they live,” said Joshua, who has been based in Dursley since he started his policing career at age 18.

“I think it is fantastic that Dursley still has a community spirit which I hope continues throughout the years.

“Over the last few years within the Dursley community we have seen a drive in local residents wanting to make their streets and their town feel safer.

“Within the current economic climate this is more important than ever and I wish this to continue even when I am no longer here.”

Joshua has become a common sight around Dursley, making it his priority to be visible in the community, helping to organise talks with residents and students and answer any queries or concerns while on patrol.

He has endeavoured to follow a guiding principle, which he picked up at the start of his career, “The police are the public and the public are the police.”

“This is something that I have always worked towards because it was obvious that a respected and co-operative relationship between the public and the police is the main reason a community becomes a safer place to live,” he said.

“This has been the most important factor that I have learnt over the years and the reason that I joined the police - for individuals to respect their area and feel safe.

“I would like thank everyone for their support and co-operation over the last few years and I wish everyone within the Dursley community the best of luck for the future.”

The town council are presenting Joshua with an award for his services in the town at Dursley Methodist Church on Monday, August 14 at 4pm.

His final day on duty in Dursley will be Thursday, August 17, when a replacement PCSO will take up the role.