Voters to go to the polls again

THE local elections are over in Warrington – but voters will be going to the polls again on November 15.
This time they will be voting for candidates for the new £75,000-a-year Police and Crime Commissioner.
He, or she, will take over the role of Cheshire Police Authority, setting the police budget and the policing element of the council tax.
The commissioner will also hold the Chief Constable to account for the way policing is delivered and also have additional duties, such as making grants to reduce crime and disorder.
Margaret Ollerenshaw (pictured), chairman of Cheshire Police Authority said: “Now the recent council elections are over, it is a good time for people to give some thought to this next big election.
“The Commissioner will play a vital and wide ranging role in the future of policing and in other parts of the criminal justice system. People need to understand what the role involves and have some ideas about what sort of approach they would like to see their Commissioner take.”
Candidates have until October 19 to declare their intention to stand, but the main political parties are likely to select their candidates sometime in June or early July.
Ms Ollerenshaw said: “The Police Authority, which will cease to exist when the Commissioner is elected, is working hard to bring about a smooth transition to the new model.
“When people in Cheshire and other parts of the country vote on November 15 they should have a clear idea of what they want their commissioner to do and what the various candidates are bringing to the table. An informed vote will help to ensure that the improvements we have seen in policing over the past years continue.”