THE days of cycling on the pavement could be numbered, after Thames Valley Police announced that 12 new community support officers will soon be pounding the streets in Newbury and neighbouring towns.

Rogue cyclists, gangs of yobs and suspected terrorists will be top of the hit list for the new Blunkett Bobbies. Thames Valley has funding for 60 in all, of which 12 will be split between Reading, Wokingham and Newbury.

Chief Constable Peter Neyroud said: “I am confident that these extra PCSOs will make a difference.

Newbury death

A man was found dead in Newbury town centre last week. The 25-year-old was found in a flat in Bartholomew Street, but police are not treating the case as suspicious. A post mortem has been carried out, but DS Neil Williams would like more information. Call 0845 8 505505.

New 19th hole

A massive upgrade to the former Parasampia Golf Club looks set to pass town planners. The renamed Donnington Grove wants to turn old farm buildings into a new club house and related buildings. There have been some concerns about the impact on the heavily conserved River Lambourn, and archaeologists are waiting to explore the site for new evidence relating to the Second Battle of Newbury.

The club is hosting the English Open next year, as first revealed on this site.