WHITCHURCH and Overton residents have said farewell to the area’s outgoing police community support officer.

PCSO Ben Howard has policed the Basingstoke Rural beat for the last four years and was known for his support of the Speedwatch campaign.

This week he stepped down from his position to take up a new patrol in Leigh Park, Havant.

Speaking to the Advertiser, PCSO Howard said: “It is with sadness that I say a final goodbye to Basingstoke Rural after four lovely years policing the area.

“I have met some fantastic people along the way and will remember Basingstoke Rural as the best place to start my career in the police.”

Talking about the challenges of his new beat, PSCO Howard added: “The area I covered, which includes Whitchurch, Hurstbourne Priors, St Mary Bourne, Overton and Oakley, is a beautiful place with such an incredible community spirit.

“I hope that what I have been taught by the residents, councillors and everyone else I have been in contact with will rub off on my new community in Havant.”