Ashfield's neighbourhood police inspector will leave his role next month.

Inspector Mark Dickson who has been in post since May 2020, has been promoted to Detective Chief Inspector.

In his current position, Inspector Dickson has been responsible for planning and managing policing strategies in Hucknall and across the rest of the Ashfield District.

He will be replaced by Inspector Jon Hewitt.

Speaking exclusively to Hucknall Nub News, Inspector Dickson said: "I have enjoyed my role as Ashfield District Commander and I am proud of the work carried out by the local policing team during my time in post.

"We have carried out a lot of work to build links with the local community, understand the crime patterns of the area and work with partners to make the area safer for all. We have seen an increase in interactions with the public and this has assisted in developing intelligence to reduce crime, including robberies, burglaries and ASB.

"The work we have carried out with partners, from joint ASB patrols and operations with Ashfield District Council, to work with community groups and charities to tackle vulnerability and exploitation has all played a key part in my policing strategy.

"I would like to thank Antonio Taylor (Community Safety Manager) and Theresa Hodgkinson (Chief Executive) and the CPO's of Ashfield District Council for their commitment to joint working and operations. I would also like to thank local representatives such as Mark Spencer MP, Simon Robinson (Watnall Road Baptist church), and John Willmott and Lee Waters (local Councillors) who have helped provide a vital link to the public and the local issues.

"Most of all I would like to thank the residents of Hucknall for their support and patience. Through the COVID restrictions we had very few breaches in Hucknall, the residents have engaged with our local policing team to help build intelligence to support police actions, and have continually been supportive of proactive operations we have carried out in the area.

"In my new role I will still be involved in policing in Ashfield, and will always have a special interest in the area."