THE Conservative candidate for the new role of Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner, John Dwyer, has launched a countywide consultation on policing and crime priorities.

The former assistant chief constable of Cheshire will stand for the Tories at the forthcoming elections in November.

He has sent a survey to the 233 town and parish councils within the county, asking for councillors to express their views on which areas of policing they think should be targeted at a local level.

Mr Dwyer said: “I believe that parish and town councils are close to their communities and have a major role to play in informing the new Police and Crime Commissioner about what the priorities are in their patch.

“I am determined that the creation of this post will ensure that police priorities are the public’s priorities.

"This new role is designed to give people a visible and accountable champion for their views on local policing and crime, and it is important that the Police and Crime Commissioner understands those views.”

Mr Dwyer is due to stand against Sarah Flannery (independent) and John Stockton (labour) for the role of Police and Crime Commissioner at elections on November 15.

He said: “I have been visiting communities and interest groups across Cheshire so I understand what local people genuinely feel should be done.

“I believe that Parish and Town Councils are close to their communities and have a major role to play in informing the new Police and Crime Commissioner about what the priorities are in their patch.

“If elected I would regularly consult with them, and I am starting that process now so that I am as informed as possible as I develop my own plans to reduce crime and improve policing in Cheshire.”