A TEAM of 12 police community safety officers will ride Newport buses to tackle antisocial behaviour, driving offences and drunk youths.

The new officers are set to start late next month and will use public transport to travel to the city's troublespots and boost police visibility.

The uniformed Police Community Safety Officers (PCSO) will have the power to detain - but not arrest - and can give on-the-spot fines for minor offences. PCSOs join police, traffic wardens and council community safety rangers as another weapon in the fight against growing antisocial behaviour.

Chief Superintendent Kev-in Price said: "It's an exciting move. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of 12 PCSOs dedicated to combating low level disorder and antisocial behaviour in Newport.

"Antisocial behaviour is a major problem in this city and the prevalence of the abuse of alcohol causes us concern.

"Youngsters can get their hands on the some of the strongest alcohol at cheap prices.

"We have seen buses stoned by groups of youths roaming around looking for trouble.

"And there is abuse of the bus lanes. What better place to enforce the law than actually on the buses?

"The officers will have the capability to intercept on the spot, rather than reactively attend any incident."

The pioneering move comes from the Police Reform Act, which asked forces to consider alternative resources. Gwent police ran a successful PCSO scheme in Blackwood and have decided to spread the initiative to Newport.

Chief Supt Price said: "This will encourage people to use transport, and that will have positive impacts on the transport strategy for this city and the bid to reduce congestion.

"These officers are an additional resource.

"We will be careful what types of behaviour they are directed towards, so that they can resolve the incident without resorting to police officers."

Councillor Bob Bright, cabinet member for community safety, said: "This is almost the return of the bobby on the beat and is a fantastic resource. "I hope these officers will patrol with the council community safety rangers."

Trevor Roberts, managing director of Newport Tran-sport, said: "It's an excellent initiative and the sooner it gets off the ground the better.

"Officers on the buses and round the station will add to the safety and security of the public and the drivers.

"We've agreed with the police that these officers will travel for free."

Councillor Garry Brown said: "Antisocial behaviour is a huge problem in Duffryn and throughout Newport.

"I welcome these officers as long as they have the powers to do their job and aren't tied down by red tape."