THE three Ps - presence, prevent and protect - have been top of the agenda for West Somerset's growing band of police community support officers (PCSOs) as they patrol the streets of the district. West Somerset now has seven PCSOs who aim to build confidence in communities by reducing crime and the fear of crime and by specifically targeting anti-social behaviour. The PCSOs pride themselves on being professional, approachable and friendly and provide a visible, accessible and accountable uniformed presence on the streets. Avon and Somerset Constabulary has always stressed PCSOs are not a replacement for police officers but an additional resource which enables regular officers to devote more time to front line policing. Each PCSO has their own beat, with Minehead's PCSOs being Bryan Stevens, Rachel Cutler and Luisa Jones. Anne Stoneham is the PCSO for Porlock and Timberscombe and she holds a beat surgery every Wednesday between 3pm and 4pm in John Barnes Court, Porlock. Sue Jones is the PCSO for Dunster, Carhampton and Blue Anchor, while all five also provide a presence in Dulverton, Exford, Wheddon Cross and outlying villages. In Watchet and Williton are Mike Tipper and Sue Marks, with Mike specifically covering Watchet and Washford and Sue devoting her time to the Williton and Quantocks area. Mike holds a beat surgery on the first Wednesday of the month at the police office on The Esplanade, in Watchet, from 10am to 12.30pm and Sue holds her beat surgery in the Chanin and Thomas office in Nether Stowey one Wednesday each month. Her next surgery will take place on July 20 from 2pm to 3.30pm. Anyone needing to contact a PCSO can either stop them in the street or telephone the police on 0845 456 7000 and ask to speak to their local police station. Our picture shows, at the back, from the left, back Inspector Keith Bridges, PC Clive Darch and Sgt Neil Dillon with com munity support officers Denise Day, Sue Jones, Rachel Cutler, Anne Stoneham, Bryan Stevens, Luisa Jones and Mike Tipper Photo: Steve Guscott.