Two New CSOs For North Shropshire

CSO Andrew HudsonTwo new community support officers began work in north Shropshire today (Thursday).

They have joined West Mercia's local policing teams in Market Drayton Town and Whitchurch Town areas.

CSO Andy Hudson has been appointed to the Market Drayton post working with PC Paul Frank and CSOs Andy King, Angeline Roche and Mike Ellis.  CSO Alison Hodnett becomes part of the Whitchurch team, alongside PC Karena Evans and CSOs Tim Meredith, Graeme Baines and Laura Viner.

Forty-one year-old Andy has lived in Shropshire for the past nine years having previously been based in the south of England.  He has worked in a variety of roles, including supermarkets and non-food retail organisations.

More recently, he worked for British Gymnastics, the UK governing body for gymnastics and trampolining based at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.  He held an administrative role for just over seven years until being made redundant at the end of last year.

Andy said: "Meeting people and being in a position where I'm expected to meet their needs is something that has been a part of every job I've held, and in many ways, my new role as a CSO is no different.

"I recognise it's much more visible than some positions and for me, that's a really important aspect of the job.  I want to be approachable and to play a part in making the community of Market Drayton a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and play."

CSO Alison HodnettHe added: "My passion is working with kids.  I've been involved in youth work and ran a youth group in Little Dawley, Telford for around seven months, having previously assisted.  Also, while working for British Gymnastics, I had the opportunity to attend and pass a coaching course in cheerleading, so maybe, some day, we'll have a cheerleading squad in Market Drayton."

Alison, who is 27 and comes from Shrewsbury, also has a wealth of experience in dealing with people and helping  to solve their problems.

After attending Meole Brace School, she went to Shrewsbury College studying for an HND in tourism and hospitality and for a degree in business management.  While at college, she took a job working at Boots chemists.

Following her studies, she worked in Spain for two years as a resort representative and is able to speak conversational Spanish.  Alison then continued her travels after being appointed by a local tour operator specialising in tours to Italy.

More recently, she was an air hostess for First Choice Airways based at Birmingham and prior to joining West Mercia Police, she worked as a women's service assistant at the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital's maternity unit.

Alison added: "I am looking forward to working in Whitchurch and getting to know the local community.  As a people person, I hope to be an approachable, friendly presence in the community."

Issued: Thursday 26 August 2010