Hertfordshire police welcomed a survey to evaluate the success of ward constables, introduced in October 2000 in response to public demand for more visible policing on the streets.

Of more than 4,000 people surveyed, 70 per cent knew the constable's name, 73 per cent had a contact number and 78 per cent found the system reassuring.

Deputy Chief Constable Simon Ash said: "These are very pleasing results. The ward constables are a key part of our new policing style."

Each council ward has an officer as a point of contact for residents to report non-emergency, social and community issues: PC Colin Clare for Brookmeadow, Kenilworth and Elstree; PC Lynne Da Silva for Brookmeadow and Hillside; and PC Sue Taylor for Brookmeadow and Cowley Hill, all on 01727 796612; PC Andy Beaton for Shenley, on 01707 638312; PC Annette Gautrey for Aldenham, on 01923 472711 and PC Gerard Handscombe for Radlett on 01923 472713.

In the Elstree ward, Morris Bright and Madodri Mitchell both won seats for the Conservatives, beating Labour's Paula Gregory.

Labour took all three Brookmeadow seats, with wins for Stephen Evans, Anthony Scott-Norman and Eileen Stanley, and all three Cowley Hill seats, with strong majorities for Craig Adams, Burt Coe and Paul Watkins.

Labour also took both Kenilworth seats, with wins for Ernie Butler and Peter Hedges. The turn out varied from 20 per cent in Brookmeadow to 30 per cent in Hillside.

The Tories held complete control of Aldenham Parish Council, with all councillors elected from the Conservative Party.

May 7, 2003 16:00