Cheshire Independent Issue 213

MACCLESFIELD • TYTHERINGTON • BOLLINGTON ALDERLEY EDGE • PRESTBURY • WILMSLOW • HANDFORTH • POYNTON • BRAMHALL • DISLEY • ALSAGER • BIDDULPH • CONGLETON • SANDBACH ISSUE 213 FREE CHESHIRE FREE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS-PAPER FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @CheshireIndy www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Looking for Flooring Inspiration? Let us help you find the perfect flooring for your home. With great advice, home styling, measure and planning service, plus quality fitting of top brands and designs, youwill be glad you did . Visit our showroom: Tuesday to Saturday or call 01260 224445 for a private appointment Thornycroft Farm, Pexhill Road, Siddington, Cheshire SK11 9JN l Modern, Traditional & Luxury Carpets l Natural Wood Flooring l Laminate Flooring l Stair Runners & Rods l Luxury Vinyl Tiles l Bespoke Rugs & Runners CHESHIRE Constabu- lary is putting 30 more officers on the beat in a new approach to neigh- bourhood policing fol- lowing controversial frontline cuts. It says it has recognised public concern following the axing of 30 Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) as part of wider finan- cial restructuring. And it adds that changes to the community policing model will result in a “more visible policing presence”. In a statement, the force said: “Changes to staff dis- tribution mean that an MORE BOBBIES ON THE BEAT Force’s new approach to neighbourhood policing additional 30 Police Consta- bles will now be allocated to neighbourhood teams across the county. “This brings the total num- ber of neighbourhood policing positions across the county to 327, reinforcing the force’s commitment to investing in our communities. As part of this, every beat area in Cheshire will have a named, contactable Police Constable.” Cheshire’s remaining 57 PCSOs will continue working in their local areas and will now work closer with area Beat Managers in the com- munities they cover “with a clear focus on engagement, further strengthening the crucial link between the police and the public”. Each beat area will be required to hold at least one police surgery or drop-in ses- sion every month, as well as visiting every primary and secondary school in their area once per half-term, amongst other “engage- ment expectations” Beat teams will continue regular contact with local faith groups, parish councils, councillors and Neighbour- hood Watch groups. Cheshire’s head of local policing, Chief Superinten- dent Saf Ali, said: “In an ever-evolving world, we as recognise that our approach to policing on every level needs to evolve and change with it to tackle the growing issues of the day.” “This new approach to neighbourhood policing, which is based on evidential factors such as Local Policing Unit area size, crime and incidents demand, the number of wards, local schools and engagement opportunities, builds upon the incredible efforts delivered by our officers and staff around the clock to keep our residents safe and the county a hostile environment for crime.” l Continued page two Extra visibility: More o!cers are being recruited to neighbourhood teams (Photo credit: Cheshire Police)