I’m writing this article the day after my boss, Michael Baxter, the Chief Constable of Cumbria Police released figures which show the "best ever performance figures" for your county’s police.

In the last twelve months the Constabulary has reduced:

Mr Baxter stated: "Cumbria Constabulary has achieved outstanding performance results for the last year. These are the best ever performance figures for the Constabulary. Overall, across our key performance areas there has been a 10% reduction which demonstrates that we really are getting better at fighting crime and keeping our communities safe.

I would like to add my thanks to the people of Egremont and the organisations without whose support the Police would not be able to achieve as much as we do. I want to show my appreciation to those who help with the problem solving approach in areas such as the beck behind Church View. This was a drinking den which a partnership is now cleaned up. Bushes have been removed and a new fence erected, greatly reducing the problem. Another partnership strives to maintain the castle for the benefit of all town by addressing the problems a minority cause there. Another good example of this partnership approach is the effort to combat illegal use of motorbikes in and und the town. In the last month one motorbike and one mini-moto have been confiscated and prosecutions are ongoing against another two riders.

It may interest readers of this article to known that I have for a long time now been working very closely with Wyndham School and know the benefits this is having. Together with educational welfare officers we are conducting truancy patrols. I also hold a regular "drop-in" session on Friday lunch times in the school and attend a number of different meetings to assist in "nipping problems in the bud". I am always heartened and impressed by the courteous response from the pupils and the support of the hard working staff.

It is good news that Egremont will soon have its very own Police Community Support Officer. The role will be to patrol the streets in a highly visible way, addressing antisocial behaviour.
Could I take this opportunity to show my respect to all the residents, volunteers and services who work so hard to make Egremont a better place.
If you need to contact the police in Egremont please phone 0845 33 00 247.