THE police presence at Leighton

Hospital is to increase by a third.

The police office at Leighton has been on site for over three years and has proved successful in tackling violent crime at the hospital.

Now the number of constables based there is to increase from 10 to 15 with the number of sergeants doubling from one to two and an inspector being introduced.

The premises themselves have also been doubled in size.

Sgt Martin Baker from the station explained that up until now officers had been purely there to respond to incidents.

However, the extra officers would be forming a Community Action Team to look at problems in the West Endarea such as anti-social behaviour, vandalism and problem spots.

Sgt Baker said: "They will look at underlying trends to the incidents we attend to see if they can implement procedures to stop us having to go to similar incidents again.

"I hope we can get under the skin of a lot of recurring problems. For example when we get a lot of incidents occurring in one area we can put extra resources towards that and provide a better service."

Officers will deploy from the station between 7am-4am with additional cover being provided by the Crewe control room.

A hospital spokesman praised the impact the partnership with the police had had on the number of incidents as well as staff morale and patient confidence.

"The scheme has been the most successful measure the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust has implemented in reducing the number of assaults on Accident and Emergency staff and patients," he said.

Sgt Baker added: "Since we have been here the number of assaults on hospital staff has been reduced by 60 per cent."

Health Minister Lord Philip Hunt opened the office yesterday, Wednesday.