THE launch of a brand new mobile police station aims to cut crime and public fears.
The Mobile Community Contact Point (MCCP) is just that - a mobile unit where people can go and talk to a police officer about any concerns they might have about crime in their area.
It is aimed particularly at the older and rural communities who may not be able to go into town very often because of transport problems, age or immobility.
The inside of the shiny new Mercedes van is kitted out like a mini police station - complete with counter, kettle and cuffs - and local police hope it will reach out to people who might never normally enter a police station.
Inspector Martin Forshaw, of Macclesfield crime and disorder unit, said: "It is not just another riot van - it has no cage and no flashing lights for that reason.
"We aim to provide quality of service to all sections of our community, responding to local needs whilst at the same time targeting persistent problems such as vehicle crime, burglary, drug-and-alcohol-related offences, violence and anti-social behaviour," he said.
"We aim to identify and reduce local problems of crime and disorder in partnership with other local agencies and the public."
The MCCP will also be used by partner agencies, such as the Benefits Agency and Pension Service.
Jan Wood of the Pension Service said: "We are going out to the rural areas to let people know about benefits they are entitled to."
The vehicle will be taken to an advertised location, particularly in rural areas, and opened to the public.
They will be able to report matters of concern to them to do with public order, nuisance similar incidents affecting quality of life.
It will also be used as a crimebusting exercise by a team of officers to go into areas where crime is prevalent.
Insp Forshaw added: "The MCCP is the first of its kind in Cheshire and demonstrates our commitment to working in partnership, offering public reassurance and reducing the fear of crime."
On January 30 the MCCP will visit Disley Rail Approach 9.30-10.30am; Newtown 11-11.30am; Broughton Road Adlington 12.30-1.30pm. January 31 the MCCP will visit Prestbury village 10-11am; Henbury 11.30am-12pm; Marton School 12.30-1pm; Lower Withington 1.30-2pm; Siddington 2.30-3pm; Over Alderley 3.30-4pm. February 4 it will visit Ashley Hough Green 9-10am; Rostherne Lady Mary Square 11am-12pm; Little Bollington Stamford Road 12.30-1pm and Agden Brow 1.30-2.30pm.
Pictured above are council chief executive David Parr, police chief Penny Wilson and mayor, Coun Di Millett.
