Community Constables there to help

Community Senior Constables Gerry Jackson (left) and Dave Wilkinson, based at the Council's Fendalton office.

The community constables for Avonhead/Burnside and Merivale say their new base at the Council's Fendalton office makes them both more accessible to the public.

Avonhead/Burnside's Constable Dave Wilkinson and Merivale's Constable Gerry Jackson share offices at the new City Council building on the corner of Jeffreys and Clyde Roads - the boundary between their two areas.

"We plan to work 'back to back', so that there is an officer available from 8am-8pm, Monday to Thursday, said Constable Wilkinson.

"The library is open until 8pm, Monday through Friday so we shall be too, at least on four nights."

The community constables' office is manned by Grey Power volunteers who have been trained by Police.

The constables say much of their work involves civil disputes regarding housing and traffic, rather than strictly police matters.

"We get a lot of 'falling out' over vegetation and fences in our areas," said Constable Jackson.

"It's a civil dispute but they tend to get out of hand. Issues like this tend to be our stock in trade."

Both have praised the Fendalton/Waimairi Community Board for its work in getting the offices set up.

"If it was not for them, we'd not have these offices here today."

The existing Merivale office in Merivale Mall is still maintained by Constable Jackson.

The new office number for both constables is 351 3740.