Police Cuts Coming

5.25.59pm GMT Tue 22nd Mar 2005

Stockport's two Liberal Democrat MPs, Patsy Calton and Andrew Stunell have condemned cuts to plans to tackle street crime locally.

The cutbacks follow Government refusal to back the Chief Constable's budget for the coming year.

Hazel Grove MP, Andrew Stunell said:

"We now know £500,000 is to be cut from the vital battle against street crime across Greater Manchester. It will keep 75 Senior Police Officers stuck behind desks instead of being out on the streets, and will block the planned appointment of 40 Crime Scene Investigation Officers. It is a shameful reversal of the essential expansion of our police service."

The MPs have been thanked by the Police Authority for their support during the row between the Greater Manchester Police Authority and Government Ministers on police funding.

Cheadle MP, Patsy Calton added:

"As local MPs we are deeply concerned at the way the Government has treated the police service. We have challenged the Ministers in Parliament, and it is a bitter disappointment that they have left the Chief Constable with no choice but to cut back on vital crime-stopping action."

ENDS