Cutting crime not police!

LABOUR’S new Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) candidate has pledged his key priority will be to ‘cut Cheshire’s crime, not police’.
John Stockton has been selected to stand as Labour’s candidate for the election this November to become Cheshire’s first PCC. The election takes place on November 15.
He has pledged to stand up for communities against the Government’s 20 per cent cuts to policing and the loss of 262 Cheshire police officers.
He said:”I’m honoured to have been selected as Labour’s candidate for the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner role. I will not stand by and let the Tories and Lib Dems become cheerleaders for police cuts in Cheshire.
“Since coming in to office this Tory-led government has attacked the police and undermined the fight against crime. Police budgets have been cut by 20% and in four years here in Cheshire we will lose well over 250 front line officers, despite having a force of less than 2,000 police.
“The Government should be trying to fight crime and support the police. Instead, they are cutting police and don’t have an effective plan to reduce crime. This is completely outrageous and I will do all I can to protect our police force here in Cheshire.
“The government need to realise that you don’t cut crime by cutting police; instead you undermine the police’s ability to fight crime by cutting essential staff.”
John will be campaigning in Cheshire on five key pledges:
·Standing up for communities against the Tories 20% cuts to policing and the loss of 262 police in Cheshire by 2015.
·Keeping police on the beat with neighbourhood policing; not handing over responsibility to private companies or leaving it just to PCSOs.
·Backing a strong and swift response to antisocial behaviour. Victims should be able to get a response within 24 hours.
·Being tough on crime and the causes of crime. I will work in partnership with the police, local people and councils to tackle and prevent crime.
·Protect the police from political interference. I will set the strategic direction for policing, but will not interfere in operational matters, which is the right and proper duty of the Chief Constable.
John has served as a Labour Councillor for ten years. He’s an executive board member for Halton Borough Council with responsibility for managing a £120 million budget.
He previously worked as a teacher for over 30 years and was a Senior Head of Department in a large comprehensive school in Knowsley.
Meanwhile Warrington Borough Council is reminding residents that they have recently received their electoral registration forms through the post – much earlier than usual this year – to ensure the electoral register is as up-to-date as possible ahead of the Police and Crime Commissioner elections.
Local voters are being encouraged to complete their new registration form and return it promptly to ensure they can have their say this autumn.
Registering to vote is quick and simple. All you have to do is update your form with details of everyone who lives in the household and is eligible to vote.
These are new elections. If you want your say, you must ensure you’re registered to vote.
Residents who don’t receive their form can contact their local elections team on 01925 442184 or print one off at www.aboutmyvote.co.uk or visit www.warrington.gov.uk/elections

Picture shows John Stockton being congratulated by Warrigton North MP Helen Jones on his selection as Labour’s candidate.