MP calls for 'major reassurances' after Cumbria police announce cutbacks

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has today called on Cumbria Police to offer strong reassurances to the community after major cutbacks were announced by the force.

The force is trying to save £20 million from their budget over the next five years. The force yesterday announced proposals that mean the equivalent of more than 56 full time posts will go.

A restructure of theCumbriacall centre, changes to their vehicle fleet and the implementation of a new central Crime Management Unit will also save cash.

Tim has called for the Police bosses to think again about the speed of their changes, including redundancies, because they will come into effect before the end of March next year.

Tim commented: "I want to hear that the level of service will not be affected by these plans and I want the Police Authority to sit down with staff and talk through the plans and not rush them through as they seem to be planning to do. To make major changes within four months is dangerous. I want to hear major reassurances from the police that they have thought about all of these things. The staff who work for Cumbria Police are trusted and well known throughout the South Lakes for putting our community first - they really do go the extra mile for our area and I want police bosses to make sure they are open, honest and fair with the staff and I will be doing all I can to make sure they are."