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Popular Jason to leave village post
BOBBIES and Whalley villagers will say so-long to a popular and award-winning Community Support Officer (CSO) later this month.
One of the first CSO's in England, Jason Taylor (pictured) is handing in his distinctive blue banded cap and uniform and leaving his office behind as he takes up a new post as a features writer for a business magazine.
And the 25-year-old says he has been very "fortunate" to have worked in a village like Whalley where community spirit is alive and well.
"Whalley is a great place to work and I have met lots of wonderful people," he commented. "It's a very pro-police area and there is a huge community spirit.
"Whalley is no longer a sleepy village, it is rapidly developing into a small town with town-sized issues. I will miss the cheery nature of the people in and around the village, the lovely setting that I have been fortunate enough to work in and most of all, the great friends I have made during my time here."
In 2002, Clitheroe become one of the first towns in the county to have a Community Support Officer on the beat.
During the past four years, CSO Taylor has provided a uniformed presence in Whalley and offered greater public reassurance and an improved quality of life for local residents.
Although CSO Taylor admits he did not have the experience or powers held by police officers, he was able to address many tasks which often took officers away from more urgent duties.
"When I began patrolling the streets of Whalley, there was a problem with anti-social behaviour. This was purely because the youngsters had nowhere to go except to hang around the streets. I worked closely with them and started to arrange activities for them. I feel my role as a CSO helped to improve relations between the police and youngsters."
Over the years, CSO Taylor has successfully engaged the Whalley community by carrying out highvisibility patrols and making a difference to the quality of life of both the young and old alike.
He managed Whalley Junior Football team, organised the "Fusion" under-16s discos at the Rendezvous nighclub and regularly arranged community events and took fun-seeking youngsters on trips to various theme parks.
He was praised for his dedication to duty and pioneering youth work two years ago when he scooped the first Ribble Valley Community Engagement Award on behalf of the borough's Crime and Disorder Prevention Partnership. Speaking to the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times earlier this week, he said he had enjoyed his time as a CSO, but had decided to change direction.
CSO Taylor, who lives in Blackburn and is a former pupil of Darwen High School, explained how he enjoyed writing from a young age and had at one time desired to take up a career in journalism. Writing his weekly "Whalley Beat" column for the Clitheroe Advertiser and Times had encouraged him to fulfil his long-held ambition.
He conveyed his thanks to village residents who have embraced him both as CSO and as a person, and for making him feel welcome and part of their community.
"It has been a privilege to be a part of the events at Whalley Primary School," he added. "I would like to thank the headteacher, Mr Brian Beresford, and all his staff. Being an accessible point of contact for the kids in the village, meant that all the kids knew who 'Jason' was, and this has been a key to the success of my time in this role.
"I would also like to thank Steve, Martine, Johnny and Keith at Rendezvous for all their support with the '"Fusion" nights and for their financial contribution toward a number of other projects.
Also, Mr Norman Atty at the Dog Inn and Nigel, for their support with a number of community events and all the other local businesses that have supported the good causes."
Outside work his hobbies include playing football, supporting the Clarets, as well as being a DJ at a nightclub in Blackburn. Clearly a bright spark, last year he appeared on the popular BBC quiz show "The Weakest Link" and walked away with the winning cash prize of 2,120. (s)
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Weather for Clitheroe
Sunday 05 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North
