FORMER independent Chair of West Mercia Police Authority, and independent County Councillor for Herefordshire, Joyce Thomas MBE has voiced her support for Adrian Blackshaw, the Conservative Party's candidate for West Mercia Police & Crime Commissioner.

Mrs Thomas said: "Mr Blackshaw has already shown a real and genuine interest in policing. I know that his top priority will be that of local policing, ensuring increased Police visibility, together with doing his very best to secure the funding for the continuation of current levels of Police and Community Support Officers for West Mercia. These are all matters which I feel very strongly about. What is clear is that he is focussing on and commenting on the real issues - such as burglary, rural crime, town/city crime, anti-social behaviour, cutting red tape and domestic violence and abuse rather than spending time on party political issues or on personalities."

On November 15th, each of the 41 police forces in England and Wales will elect a Police & Crime Commissioner. And Adrian Blackshaw has the backing of three former Independent Chairs of West Mercia Police Authority – Mr Brian Watkins (1998-2002), Mrs Joyce Thomas MBE ( 2002-2003) and Mr Paul Deneen OBE (2005-2009).

For the rest of this story please see this week's Ross Gazette.

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