Wilmslow residents recently got their chance to have a say on how Cheshire Constabulary can meet the challenges of making significant savings over the next four years.
The 'Brief the Chief' road show and online survey provided an opportunity for residents to consider some of the suggestions that have been made for how Cheshire Constabulary can make savings of over £35 million.
Over 1,100 residents across Cheshire East took the opportunity to provide their views on which options they would support and how they would like the Constabulary to do things differently to make financial savings, whilst protecting front line services.
Results show some of the most popular options that members of the public would support include sharing the force helicopter, sharing specialist units with other forces - such as firearms and forensics - and charging licensed venues, who open late, a levy to pay for late-night policing.
Commenting on the public's willingness to take part Chief Constable Dave Whatton said: "The Police Authority have set the budget for policing in Cheshire and we have to save £35.4 million over the next four years.
"We have plans in place to do this and still keep local neighbourhood policing at the heart of how we serve and protect the public. It is really important to take the views of people into account as we consider what to prioritise and where we will have to make cuts.
"Over 1,000 people from across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington have given me their views, which help us to make the tough decisions ahead. I am confident that we can make the savings and still deliver a first class police service for our public."
