A PETITION to keep Sergeant Martin Alvis as the leader of the neighbourhood policing team in Malmesbury has been launched by residents of the town.

The petition asks Wiltshire’s Chief Constable Patrick Geenty to find a way to keep Sgt Alvis in the role he has held for the last six-and-a-half years, though there is little hope for a change of plan.

Sgt Alvis is being moved to a custody role in Melksham on December 31, even though he wishes he could remain in the area where he has made such a difference.

As well as helping to reduce the amount of violent and anti-social crime in Malmesbury, Martin is well known for his use of Facebook to communicate with residents - with many people tipping him off about crimes.

Now Martin is crossing off the days until he leaves and hoping that his replacement will embrace the role with the same enthusiasm he has.

He said: “I wish them well in their time here, not just for their sake but for the sake of the whole community.

“I’m very sad about leaving Malmesbury because I’m particularly passionate about the community, having been connected to it since 1986."

“This petition came as a complete surprise,” he added. “It’s probably the best leaving present I could have asked for, really.”

Commenting on his new role in Melksham, he said: “When people come into custody it can be a high risk area and they want experienced sergeants in that position.”

Martin accepts that the move to Melksham is inevitable and plans to do his best there before his final five years with the force are up.

He said that although many people in Malmesbury might miss him, those who he has arrested or cautioned over the years will probably be glad to see him go.

Martin has been involved in a number of chases, raids and arrests over the years, and said: “For me that’s just part of the job.

"For me a big win is reducing violent crime overall and not having any fights or disturbances. We were on call this weekend - we didn’t have one call.”

In only a few days the petition to keep Martin in Malmesbury has collected  hundreds of signatures, a testament to his people first, face to face policing style.

To sign the petition, click here.