Questions to PCC Clive Grunshaw

Lancashire Police Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, came to the meeting of the full Council in June and he was questioned on the following topics by the Labour Councillors:

Milnshaw Councillor and Cabinet member for Recycling and Waste Services, Paul Cox, asked, "Last year Lancashire's then acting Chief Constable told the local police authority that his force was taking 513 officers off the streets along with this the force has undergone a funding cut of over £40 million. This has had the resulting effect In my own ward of our community police team seeing a 50% cut in officers and supporting PCSOs. All this seems to be a direct contradiction of David Cameron's 2011 pledge that "there is no reason why there should be fewer front line police officers despite the budget cuts". The local police team had over several years built up a strong community link, with crime figures for Church & Milnshaw dropping had a direct result of this proactive policing at local level. Will the PCC explain how he will look to rebuild this service in Hyndburn and so reform this strong link to residents and put our community police teams back onto our streets."

Clive answered that although the figures show that the percentage of front line officers has increased, the actual numbers have reduced. This is something that the increasing cuts to funding will not help but that he was confident that the police would try to adapt as best they can. By the same token, he expressed concerns that the government cuts to policing would eventually see a sharp rise in crime because the resources to tackle it just aren't there.

Barnfield Councillor, June Harrison, asked about whether the new police station in Accrington was going to happen and if Clive could support Cansave in any way.

Clive responded that despite a number of setbacks the police station was still planned to go ahead. With regard to the Cansave alcohol awareness scheme, the PCC would point the group towards potential funding streams.

Rishton Councillor, Clare Cleary, asked if funding could be provided for an alleygate scheme in the Spring Street area to combat an increasing burglary and drug-running problem.

The Commissioner replied that although such a scheme was really down to the district Council, he could direct the local Councillors to funding streams that would be able to help finance such a project.

Rishton Councillor, Ken Moss, spoke about the extensive work done in Westminster by the Hyndburn MP, Graham Jones, and the new powers that are due to be given to the police to tackle scrap metal theft. A request was made that more resources are diverted to deal with the problem and that organised gangs are targeted more stringently as the perception from the general public is that even though many of the thieves are known to the community they are seen to be getting away with it.

Clive Grunshaw will be holding a public question and answer session at Accrington Town Hall on 2nd July from 10.00am.