CHESHIRE'S police and crime commissioner (PCC) has dismissed ‘desperate’ claims from the Conservatives over extra police officers.

Tory Warrington South MP Andy Carter has welcomed an announcement stating Cheshire Constabulary has been bolstered by an additional 54 officers since the Government launched its major recruitment drive in September 2019.

Since the start of the recruitment campaign, the party insists a total of 4,336 extra officers have joined police forces across England and Wales as a direct result of the recruitment drive.

The Tories say these statistics confirm that the Government remains on track to hit its manifesto commitment of 20,000 extra officers by 2023 and that forces have successfully accelerated their recruitment plans to meet their target of 6,000 more officers by March 2021.

Mr Carter said: “Getting more police officers onto our streets is one of the people’s priorities, especially in Warrington South, and so I am delighted that Cheshire Constabulary has been bolstered with an extra 54 officers so far.

“Every one of these officers will make an enormous difference in helping to cut crime and keep people safe – and I am reassured that many more will follow as this Government continues to deliver on its promise to recruit 20,000 more over the next three years.

“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we will keep the public and our communities safe, so that people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”

But Labour’s David Keane, Cheshire’s PCC, has hit back.

He says the simple truth is that there is not a single additional officer on the streets of Cheshire as a result of the Government’s programme.

“The Tories are clearly desperate to regain the trust of the Cheshire public but I’m sure it won’t wash with local residents,” he added.

“Residents know full well that extra officers have (been) paid for by their council tax and not from Government funding, which has fallen by over £60 million, in real terms, under the Conservative Government.

“As usual, it’s all smoke and mirrors from a Government hiding from its terrible record on policing and crime.

“Embarrassingly, this template from Tory HQ even instructs its party loyalists not to publish it in those areas where officer numbers are still down.

“This circular is cynical party politics at its worst and I’m surprised to see local Conservatives willing to put their name to it.”