The new officers – including two who will work in Airedale and Ferry Fryston – have been paid for by funding from Wakefield and District Housing to help create safer communities.

Colleen Adamson, WDH’s board member for community safety, said: “We are pleased to offer continued support to the Wakefield neighbourhood policing programme.

“We value highly the role of PCSOs in helping us achieve this and understand tenants and residents feel reassured when they see them on patrol in the area.”

The new officers will all work in the Wakefield neighbourhood policing teams, with five joining WDH’s estate management teams across the district.

Two will also be on the beat in Airedale and Ferry Fryston in WDH’s new neighbourhood management pilot scheme.

Coun Mark Burns-Williamson, chairman of the West Yorkshire Police Authority, said: “I am delighted that WDH recognises the real value of partnership working by investing in these seven officers.

“This sort of arrangement is encouraged by the authority so officers can make the most impact.”