Police officers are already zooming around Swindon courtesy of two new electric bikes gifted to them by two parish councils. 

Haydon Wick Parish Council announced that as part of its Community Grant Giving scheme that the Wiltshire Police North Neighbourhood Policing Team had been given the 'nimble, quiet and community friendly' electric bikes. 

Chairman Vinay Manro said: "Haydon Wick Parish Council was delighted to fund these new electric bikes for the Wiltshire Police North Neighbourhood Policing Team and contribute towards the safety and increased police presence within our community."

To help alleviate the cost of the electric bikes whilst still offering an enhanced service to local residents, Haydon Wick parish council teamed up with neighbouring Blunsdon Parish Council to share the cost of the second bike for the patrol team.

Chairman Ian Jankinson, Blunsdon Parish Council said: "Blunsdon Parish Council was pleased to contribute to the new e-bikes for our neighbourhood police.

"Any way we can help to keep our Parish safer has got to be worth the investment. Thank you for the work you do to keep Blunsdon safe."

It is hoped that the grant received by the Neighbourhood Policing Team will provide a range of benefits, which include high visibility cycle patrols throughout the Parish to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour.

The bikes will allow officers to cover more areas of the Parish in a shorter time frame and allow access to harder-to-reach locations such as play parks, whilst being kind to the environment.

The electric bikes will also enable officers to maintain pace with illegally motorised scooters to help tackle and prevent anti-social behaviours from occurring.

PCSO Lee Hare has said the bikes were greatly received and are already being put to use on Swindon's streets. 

"We are truly grateful to both parishes for purchasing the two new electric bicycles for us.

"These bicycles have already given us the opportunity to cover over 300 miles and allowed the old bikes to be used by other officers to cover more ground around North Swindon and beyond.

"With the new modern bikes we are able to stay out on the streets longer and cover larger areas without the need to return to charge batteries.

"This in turn allows us to provide a longer visible presence, engage with the community and prevent crime and the fear of crime."