GROUNDBREAKING proposals to shake up policing in mid Cheshire are to come under the microscope at a meeting next week.

County police authority members are to scrutinise the Taking Control proposals to strengthen local law enforcement within a new structure of 18 neighbourhood policing units.

It is hoped the new units would create a greater specialist and proactive capacity to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour across the area.

The plans come after the appointment of Peter Fahy as Cheshire's Chief Constable.

He carried out a review of the organisation and spearheaded a new programme to manage the demands on the force and giving its staff clearer direction.

In a report to next week's police authority meeting, Mr Fahy states: "While there have been a number of restructuring exercises conducted in the constabulary over past decades, the basic system of policing has remained unchanged.

"The growth in call demand, increased public expectations and legislative and other requirements necessitate a policing system which is both more localised and citizen focused and more proactive and specialised.

"The attempts to meet growing call demand through increased response policing have not produced public satisfaction or long term problem solving and a new radical approach is required."

Mr Fahy's recommendations to next Tuesday's meeting include:

l The restructuring of the constabulary from six police divisions to three police areas - eastern, northern and western - and the introduction of 18 neighbourhood policing units.

l Police officer and staff structures to support the new crime busting model, resulting the chief constable says in savings of £349,000.

l The launch of an implementation group to oversee the strategy and promote key messages and campaigns.

The report states: "The policing model has been exhaustively researched, but once implemented will need to be adapted and improved upon in the light of experience.

"It will be supported by an increased emphasis within the constabulary on leadership, performance management and staff involvement and commitment which will be the crucial features behind success."

jbrakell@guardiangrp.co.uk