THE MP for Eddisbury has welcomed additional government funding to crack down on burglary and theft in local crime hotspots.

Edward Timpson MP has welcomed the announcement that Cheshire will receive £550,000 in extra funding as part of the government's £25 million Safer Streets Fund.

The Safer Streets Fund forms part of the government's action to tackle crime and the extra funding will be aimed at improving security in areas particularly affected by acquisitive crimes such as burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.

The £550,000 of new funding will go towards measures proven to cut crime.

These include simple changes to the design of streets such as locked gates around alleyways, increased street-lighting and the installation of CCTV.

The funding will also be used to train community wardens, deliver local crime prevention advice to residents and establish Neighbourhood Watch schemes.

Mr Timpson said the money would help fund new crime-cutting measures.

"This government was elected on the promise to crack down on crime and make our streets safer," said Mr Timpson. The £550,000 announced for Cheshire will help deliver that.

"This new money will help fund proven crime-cutting measures, such as increased street lighting, CCTV and locked gates around alleyways.

"I am confident that this will prevent and reduce crimes such as burglary and robbery in the areas that need it most.

"I want people everywhere to feel secure in their communities and be able to live their lives free from the threat of crime, and this extra funding for Cheshire will help make that possible."