NEW civilian police staff will soon be pounding the beat on the streets of Bolton.

The Greater Manchester Police Authority has approved the deployment of 31 Police Community Support Officers for the town.

Members of the Authority discussed a report on how 336 posts should be deployed across the force and decided on 31 for Bolton.

And it has decided that a further 51 PCSOs out of 599 across Greater Manchester - could be earmarked for Bolton by 2007.

The number of PCSOs is in direct proportion to the number of police officers.

The authority decided last month to accept Government funding of nearly £10 million a year to provide more PCSOs in Greater Manchester over the next two years.

But the Home Office has not pledged to continue supporting the scheme after 2008, so the future of the civilian officers is uncertain. PCSOs were first introduced three years ago, and work on their own or alongside serving police officers.

They have a range of powers in relation to anti-social behaviour, dog fouling and alcohol misuse.

The officers can also stop and search and detain suspects until a police officer arrives.

PCSO salaries are advertised as £16,203 to £17,967 per annum plus shift allowances.

Application packs for the future vacancies are available on 0161 856 2365.