Thousands call for police funding cut U-turn

Residents have joined the fight against the latest assault on the force’s finances being proposed by the Home Office.

Combined with overall police budget cuts of between 25 and 40 per cent, which are expected to be announced next month, it could see £87m wiped from the balance sheet.

In response to stark warnings from the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who said the impact would be “devastating”, more than 7,000 residents have signed an online petition against the cuts.

The campaign calls on Prime Minister David Cameron and Home Secretary Theresa May to “step in and see common sense”.

A spokesman said: “While Lancashire Police has worked hard to find the cuts imposed on them in the past, the latest cuts are too far and will have a detrimental effect on the people who live in Lancashire.

“It will also mean those most vulnerable, such as victims of domestic violence, child sexual exploitation and rape, will be provided a reduced service.

“Effectively the force will not be able to guarantee the safety of the general public, who they have sworn to protect and serve, through no fault of their own.”

The petition has been publicly back by Lancashire PCC Clive Grunshaw, who said: “I am delighted that a petition has been set up supporting our stance. I don’t know who has set it up but the public support is evident by the number of people who have already signed up.”

The petition can be found be searching ‘Lancashire Constabulary on website change.org.