Published at 13:08, Sunday, 05 August 2012

By Gareth JonesCUMBRIANS will have greater power than ever before to shape the way the county is policed, a government minister has claimed.

SUPPORT: Richard Rhodes, Conservative candidate for the police and crime commissioner for Cumbria, left, with Nick Herbert, policing minister

Nick Herbert, minister of state for police and criminal justice, said the upcoming police commissioner elections will allow residents to ensure that decisions are taken at a local level.

Mr Herbert was in Cumbria ahead of the November election of Cumbria’s first crime commissioner.

He told the Evening Mail: “I think this is about people power and giving communities in Cumbria a far greater power than they have ever had before.

“You cannot change your local police force. If you live in Cumbria then you will be served by the local police force and it is so key that police are accountable.”

Mr Herbert said the government is committed to having an accountable police force and the new commissioners will allow different forces in the country to work together and to ensure money is spent efficiently.

The minister met the Conservative candidate for Cumbria Richard Rhodes, who lives in Staveley-in-Cartmel and is a former headteacher with more than 30 years of experience as a magistrate.

Mr Rhodes said he wants to ensure that policing in the county is balanced between helping areas such as Barrow and Carlisle while dealing with rural crimes.

He said: “I think it is absolutely vital, and part of my job, to explain to people what is happening.

“I think if the role is going to work it is very important that the person has the public role of influencing politicians locally and at the centre.”

A number of candidates have announced they will stand for the post.

They include the deputy leader of Eden Council Mary Robinson – an independent candidate who also represents Alston and East Fellside on Cumbria County Council. The Labour candidate is Patrick Leonard of Cockermouth, a director of Riverside Housing Association.

The Liberal Democrats are likely to choose Pru Jupe, a South Lakeland councillor.

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