The Liberal Democrats' candidate for the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner election chose Alsager to launch his campaign for the forthcoming election in May. 

Paul Duffy, who is standing for the role of PPC in the Cheshire police area, embarked on the first of his 'meet the candidate' sessions, meeting and discussing with locals last weekend.  

The recurring theme , said Mr Duffy, was the lack of visible police in the town. "Indeed, in the centre of the town, outside of the Civic Centre, there was no visible police presence," he alleged. 

"Alsager, like many of the towns in Cheshire, is feeling unsafe and the lack of a visible police presence is a concern. 

"The closing of the front desks of 11 police stations in Cheshire is a Conservative policy I would reverse if elected." 

He added: "Victims of crime and the public need to feel safe and part of that would be ensuring that if people need to seek safety or refuge at a police station, there is someone there to greet them." 

John Dwyer is the current Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner. (Photo: PCC)

A Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is independent and is elected to oversee how crime is tackled in a police area. 

Their aim is to cut crime and to ensure the police force is effective. They bring more of a 'public' voice to policing. 

John Dwyer, a former police officer, elected in 2021, is the current Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

The names of candidates standing in the election will be released shortly. 

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