CUMBRIA POLICE PRAISED IN NATIONAL REVIEW BUT CUTS COULD PUT ALL THE GOOD WORK AT RISK - FARRON

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today congratulated Cumbria Police for their success in the HM Inspectorate of Constabulary's national review, but warned that all the good work could be put at risk because of proposed budget cuts and the removal of 30 police officers from the beat.

Cumbria Police is proposing to axe 30 police posts next year. These cutbacks would save the police £3m in 2010-11, while further savings of £5m would be sought in 2011-12 and £1m in 2013-14.

Cumbria Police performed well today in the review, receiving two "good" and one "fair" grade placing Cumbria within the top performing police forces in the country. The findings are due to be published on a national website later today which will provide an overview of police effectiveness. The website is www.mypolice.org.uk.

Tim said: "Cumbria Police have led the way in community policing and this is reflected in today's report, but the loss of 30 officers this year could put all this good work at risk. The potential increase in crime from reduced police resources would cost us all a lot more than maintaining police numbers."