VICE CHAIR of Cheshire police authority, Halton councillor Dave Cargill said this week he was "very disappointed" to discover that 14 police officers in Widnes and Runcorn were to be axed.

He only found out about the cuts after reassuring residents in last week's World there was nothing to worry about.

He met with the chief constable on Tuesday to express his deep concern.

"It is extremely disappointing for Halton," said councillor Cargill. "It is for me a real concern.

"I clearly will be watching the crime relating figures and if there is any indication that loss of these policemen contributes to a rise in crime, I will be very vociferous on behalf of Halton residents."

He said the deployment of personnel and resources is the responsibility of the chief constable.

The police authority receives a budget from the Home Office and sets targets for the force to achieve, in line with government policy.

"We don't have any control over the operations," he said. "The only way we can question resources is if they are falling short of their targets."

Councillor Cargill said he felt Halton should be treated as a special case.

"I am not happy about the cuts in Halton with us being right on the edge between the two conurbations of Liverpool and Manchester where most of the villains come from."

The lack of a regional crime squad, he said, also puts more pressure on the police.

Councillor Cargill this week urged more people to attend Halton's police forum, where they have an opportunity to question divisional commander Helen King.

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