CHESHIRE'S crime commissioner has given an assurance that the level of police support at Remembrance Sunday parades this weekend will be the same as in previous years.

David Keane had raised concerns from residents on staffing levels for this year's services with chief constable Darren Martland and was assured that more than 230 police and community support officers will be supporting the events.

Mr Keane said: "Remembrance Day events are a very important opportunity for our communities to recognise those who have served our country and given the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf.

"They also represent a key community engagement opportunity for local policing.

"I have been made aware by both local residents and community representatives of concerns regarding the level of support being provided by Cheshire Constabulary to support parades and events.

"Whilst I do understand that the chief constable has to make difficult decisions with finite resources, I have raised this issue directly with him and asked him to provide me with assurance that the decisions being taken by the constabulary do not undermine the support to local communities.

"The chief constable has updated me that more than 230 police officers and PCSOs will be directly supporting the 69 events taking place across the county.

"In addition, there will be a number of specialist staff and many local officers in attendance to pay their respects as part of local communities.

"I have been assured by chief constable Darren Martland that Cheshire Constabulary will be maintaining the same level of support at events next year that has been provided in previous years.

"I have made it clear to him that this is a priority for local residents and I will be holding him to account on their behalf and discussing this issue at my upcoming scrutiny board meeting with the Constabulary next week."