Bernie's top of the cops!

Oct 10 2005 By Poppy Brady, Birmingham Mail

HE'S the bobby with beat, the copper with cool - because PC Bernie Flynn has helped get hundreds of youngsters off the streets by launching his own teen disco.

Called B32 after the Quinton postcode, the regular bops have taken off with students from more than 14 secondary schools signed up as members.

Bennett's Hall, next to the Quinborne Centre, in Ridgacre Road, hosts the monthly disco with parents volunteering to give Bernie a hand.

The 47-year-old officer, who has policed Quinton for the past 15 years, has a unique role as Safe Haven officer based at the Quinzone Centre, in Quinton Road West. The seconded role means Bernie works directly with young people.

"It's something I had been wanting to set up for years and now it's really taken off," said father-of-two Bernie.

"It means that local youngsters don't have to travel to Cradley Heath or Halesowen. I know they would like a weekly disco but we just don't have the resources for that at the moment.

"We have a great team of adults who help out and members of the St John Ambulance on standby.

"With youngsters from so many secondary schools, it's helped to break down territorial barriers in Quinton."

B32, which also has its own minibus, has received £1,000 in funding from the West Midlands Police Authority, £1,000 from the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and £500 from Birmingham's Youth Service.

Members Kate Flynn and Charlotte Jordan, aged 14, who both live in Quinton and go to Hagley RC School, said: "It's good fun and great to have something so close to home."

The next disco will be a Hallowe'en event on Friday, October 28. For more details contact Bernie on 0121 626 6054.