Commissioner candidate visits the Vale

Buy photos » PCC Conservative candidate Adrian Blackshaw talks to a shopper in Bridge Street. (s)

THE CONSERVATIVE candidate for the new West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner position paid a visit to Evesham town centre yesterday (Monday).

Adrian Blackshaw met with shopkeepers and shoppers to tell them about the upcoming elections on November 15 and gave them an insight into what it will mean for policing in the area.

The elections will see each of the 41 police forces in England and Wales outside of London elect a commissioner who will be at the heart of the Government's drive to return power to people and communities.

PCCs, as they will be known, will be responsible for setting priorities for their police force, overseeing its budget and hiring the chief constable.

This week Mr Blackshaw will be touring the Vale and making visits to areas including Broadway, Honeybourne, Pebworth, Cropthorne, Charlton and Fladbury.

Mr Blackshaw said it was important everyone voted next month.

"If elected, I intend to lead, listen and protect," he said.

"This is an apolitical appointment, and all successful candidates must sign a promise of impartiality.

"The commissioner will be representing the issues that you have in your area, and holding the police accountable for achieving results. It is vital that the people of Worcestershire vote on 15 November, either by post or in person."

The other candidates who have put their names forward for the role so far are Simon Murphy (Labour) and Bill Longmore (independent).

The final list of candidates will be named on October 19.

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