We're talking your language

11:39am Monday 4th June 2007

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POLICE, doormen and bar staff are being offered free language lessons in a bid to break down barriers with Weymouth's growing ethnic population.

Officers and pub workers learning useful phrases in Polish, French, Spanish and German will help to raise awareness of different cultures and demonstrate that Weymouth town centre is a welcoming environment.

An increase in migrant workers, especially from Poland, has prompted the move but the lessons are also seen as important in the run-up to the 2012 Olympic Games when people from around the world are expected to visit Weymouth and Portland.

Town centre beat officer PC Mike McCabe has teamed up with Weymouth College to organise the language lessons before the main holiday season. And after the summer, PC McCabe hopes to run more advanced classes where foreign workers will join in for more interactive lessons.

PC McCabe, who also runs a scheme to encourage responsible drinking in Weymouth and Portland, said the lessons were to encourage a better understanding of different people and cultures.

He said: "There are 30 free places available for the six hour taster sessions and although some will be taken up by police officers who work in the town centre I'm opening it up to bar and door staff and anyone else who is involved in Weymouth's night-time economy.

"The idea is to teach key phrases in a chosen language to people working in town so they are more prepared when dealing with people from other countries.

"As well as the growing Polish population, which is the biggest ethnic group, we have an influx of foreign tourists during the summer months.

"Often their understanding of English is limited and our understanding of their language is even worse so this is about helping to break down barriers and working together to provide a service to the community.

"We're trying to get people more aware now so they can develop their skills in the lead-up to the Olympics."

PC McCabe said the classes after the summer will focus on topics like conflict management and customs and traditions.

To find out more contact PC Mike McCabe on 01305 222222 or email: mike.mccabe@dorset.pnn.police.uk