LONG ARM OF THE LAW GETS LONGER (From Warrington Guardian)

LONG ARM OF THE LAW GETS LONGER

A crackdown on anti-social behaviour in south Warrington is set for a boost thanks to plans to put more bobbies on the beat.

Parish councils from across the area are to come together to fund five community support officers - civilians who will be given the powers of detention. The hope is that these officers can target specific areas where action is needed, and evidence from pilot schemes elsewhere in Warrington and beyond indicates the extra police presence can have a major effect.

Lymm parish councillors agree the plan could have a significant impact on reducing the problems of nuisance youths in the village.

Clr Paul Littler said: "People I have spoken to are up for this and they do not mind how much it will cost."

Clr Ian Marks said, depending on the success of the scheme, it could be extended.

He added: "We should support this because people say we never see enough police in Lymm and this is a good way to tackle that."

Stockton Heath Parish Council is also going ahead with the proposals and has agreed to increase its parish precept by 23 and a half per cent in this year's council tax.

This means a £4 rise for tax payers living in a Band E property, bringing that portion of their council tax bill to £21 a year. The financial impact on Lymm will be calculated at a later date.

Lymm parish clerk Peter Briggs said: "It's a minimal rise when you consider the bigger picture and the increased police presence we'll be getting on our streets."

CSOs, a modern policing idea strongly supported by Cheshire Constabulary, are frequently seen on bicycles and establish close relationships with community groups in the area.

The officers cost £30,000, although the police authorities will pay a third of the bill.

The hope is to employ five officers in a trial period, and, as these officers need to be trained, parish councils will only have to pay from October when officers will start their work.