ALMOST £1 million investment in community safety and partnership working is helping to make Cheshire a safer place.

During 2014 to 2015 community funding from Police & Crime Commissioner John Dwyer, has gone to four Community Safety Partnerships across Cheshire’s council areas, as well as youth offending teams and substance misuse services.

John Dwyer said: “As a result of this funding we have been able to carry out some fantastic partnership work across the county to make Cheshire a safer place to live and work, with a number of valuable services provided to prevent crime and support victims.

“The money has helped services and interventions for young people, repeat victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable people, and tackling drug misuse.”

He said one example of the impact of the funding can be seen in custody where the ‘test on arrest’ scheme has resulted in more drug takers directed into schemes to give them the support they need to quit.

He added: “I am delighted that this positive work has contributed to year on year reductions in the level crime, anti-social behaviour and business crime. There have also been increases in previously under-reported crimes such as domestic violence and hate crime as an awareness of the issues has grown.”

The funding has been maintained for the current year.

Mr Dywer added: “The good news is that due to the success seen in 2014-15 I have decided to continue the funding into 2015 -16, helping to continue the good work of the Constabulary and their partner agencies in keeping Cheshire safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Guy Hindle said: “Many of the challenges the police face cannot be resolved by the police alone. It is recognised nationally that we work well with other organisations and Partners across Cheshire to make people safer, ensuring we’re here for communities.”