CHESHIRE Police have taken a step towards having a named officer in each community, as they prepare to rollout community bases across the county.

The constabulary is broken up into six local policing units and smaller local policing teams, with each team to be allocated a venue where PCSOs can base themselves on a day-to-day basis.

The ‘book-on’ bases include village halls and community centres, and are part of Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane’s Police and Crime Plan. The scheme would not cost Cheshire Police anything in terms of rent.

Listed at the Joint Management Board meeting from April 10, the agenda read: “The rationale for the decision was ... that the decision supports the priorities of the Police & Crime Plan 2016-21 for Cheshire to have a police service better connected to its communities and one which is fit for the future. The recommendations approved are intended to enhance and improve the quality of service the public receive from PCSOs around visibility, engagement and problem solving.”

Winsford and Middlewich teams are split by electoral wards.

The Winsford Over and Verdin team would use Greenfields Community Bungalow, while Winsford Wharton would use the Wharton Library and Winsford Swanlow and Dene the police station.

Middlewich officers would use Middlewich Police station.

David Keane, police and crime commissioner for Cheshire, said: “Every Cheshire community will soon have its own police base, providing an accessible contact point for local residents to meet with their local PCSO.

“PCSOs are an important part of local policing teams across Cheshire. They are the ‘eyes and ears’ of local communities, gathering intelligence to deal with complex police issues, whilst providing support to vulnerable residents, and focusing on making our roads safer.

“These bases will provide the facilities for PCSOs to spend more time in the heart of the community they serve, increasing interaction with local residents and allowing them to have more visibility in our communities. Under the previous model, some PCSOs were travelling miles each day to the community they were based in, wasting valuable time.

“When I was elected I promised the residents of Cheshire ‘more feet on the beat’. Providing every community in Cheshire with their own named, recognisable community officer is helping us achieve this vision.”