A NEW neighbourhood sergeant in Witney has been given a push in the right direction.

Sergeant Tony Leach is the new face on the beat around town, but will be making his patrols on two wheels after Velo Specialist Cycles, in Corn Street, gave him a bicycle.

Sgt Leach said: “It was a chance conversation with the shop’s new owner John Williamson that led to him donating a brand new bike for me and the team to patrol the town on.”

The 48-year-old started his new job in May.

Sgt Leach has been a police officer since 1984 when he joined the Metropolitan Police in London.

He moved to Thames Valley Police in 1987, and has served in a variety of roles including the support group – a tactical firearms team responsible for executing warrants and carrying out specialist activities to tackle major crime.

He has also worked around the county, as a shift officer based in Cowley, on the neighbourhood team in Wantage and for the roads policing team – during which time he received a commendation for the initial investigation of a multiple fatal collision.

Mr Williamson said: “It seemed to be an issue that the Witney police hadn’t always got enough bikes to keep officers on bikes, rather than walking.

“They can cover so much more ground on a bike and seem to be so much more visible, it just made sense to help them out – we try to do what we can.”

Mr Williamson has also agreed to help with bike marking in the Witney area and will be happy to mark bikes by appointment during the shop’s opening hours.

To make an appointment, call 01993 771847.