THE MP for Eddisbury has welcomed the addition of 54 new police officers across Cheshire following a recruitment drive.

Since the start of the recruitment campaign in September, a total of 4,336 extra officers have joined police forces across England and Wales, with the figures from Cheshire being welcomed by Edward Timpson MP.

The recruitment drive is at the centre of the government’s commitment to back the police with more resources, powers and support to keep the public and their communities safe.

Mr Timpson welcomed the increase in police officers.

“Getting more police officers onto our streets is one of the people’s priorities, and so I am delighted that Cheshire has been bolstered with an extra 54 officers so far," he said.

“Every one of these officers will make an enormous difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe.

"I am reassured that many more will follow as this government continues to deliver on its promise to recruit 20,000 more over the next three years.

“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we will keep the public and our communities safe, so that people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”