THE police and crime commissioner for Cheshire has welcomed the news that there will be an increase in funding for counter-terrorism.

In response to the Government’s announcement on the comprehensive spending review, John Dwyer he was delighted that the Chancellor has listened to his views and that of his colleagues.

But he added that the force will not know for a few week what the announcement means for the constabulary.

He said: "The headline message appears to be no real terms cuts to policing budgets, and a major increase in funding for counter-terrorism, which – given recent events and our own experiences over the last few years – is very welcome.

“As a constabulary, we have clear plans in place to protect and if possible enhance frontline policing, and this was independently verified by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, the police watchdog, in their recent ‘outstanding’ judgement.

"This settlement hopefully enables us to build on this.”

Simon Byrne, chief constable said: “I am enormously proud of the work my officers do.

"Every day, I receive feedback from victims of crime highlighting the difference that our officers and staff make to their lives.

“And the fact that crime is at its lowest level in a generation, with improving detection rates, and an ‘outstanding’ rating from HMIC, shows how Cheshire Police has been able to deliver despite the financial challenges we have faced.

"So the news today that it appears that policing is to be protected from further reductions is very, very welcome news, as is the increase in counter-terrorism funding, given recent events.

"We will now await the detail from the Home Office.”