OFFICERS in the Sedgley and Gornal neighbourhood policing team have been handed the keys of a new car for use in the area.

The Astra car has been bought for the team with funding provided by four housing associations - Black Country Housing, Beth Johnson, Jephson and Accord.

The car displays all four of the company logos as well as the West Midlands Police crest. The vehicle is to be used for community policing by the neighbourhood officers - who will also maintain it.

It is not designed to be a response vehicle with the idea to promote the partnership working of all agencies involved.

Ramesh Malhan, Head of housing at Black Country Housing Association, said:" In this day and age of partnership working it is important for us to be seen to be taking action.

"The funding for the police vehicle is real evidence of this."

Sergeant Chris Farley, who heads the Sedgley and Gornal neighbourhood team, said: "We are extremely grateful to all the housing agencies involved for donating the funding.

"The car will enable us to deliver a better service to the community."