Margaret Rowley Liberal Democrat Candidate for Police and Crime Commissioner Election in West Mercia, recently met Sir Vince Cable to discuss her priorities for West Mercia Police.

Margaret said: “My top three priorities are to make West Mercia Police:

• More trusted, by listening to local people and making policing much more responsive to the priorities of local communities;

• More effective, by prioritising crime prevention and tackling issues that put people at risk of offending;

• More efficient, by better use of technology and partnership working.

"West Mercia has been rated as one of the five worst performing police forces in the country”. A recent report by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary found that the force “requires improvement at keeping people safe and reducing crime.”

Margaret added: “Violent crime, sexual offences and robbery have all risen sharply in the last year. Local people are being let down by under-investment and a lack of strong leadership. We deserve better. To get that, we need a new approach.

"As your next Police and Crime Commissioner I would demand immediate improvements to cut crime and prevent re-offending. I will ensure the police work more closely with local communities, meeting local needs and tackling local priorities. My 20 years’ experience as an elected councillor mean I have the skills of listening to members of the community, championing your views and where possible achieving your priorities.

"I have lived in Worcestershire for 25 years and until recently was employed as a senior manager in the NHS. I have built up a wealth of local knowledge and experience of service management in the public sector. It is time for us to have a Commissioner who will listen to local residents and act to keep them safe. With your support on May 5th, that’s exactly what I will do."