'Tight' time for budget

THE region's police and crime commissioner says the budget that will determine how much money is available to spend on policing in North Lincolnshire will be set in "very, very tight financial circumstances" this week.

Matthew Grove says he faces a busy few weeks, as the budget will directly impact on the policing plan he is working on.

The plan, set to be published in March next year, will shape the future of policing across Humberside.

Mr Grove has said that the police is an "indefinite demand" with a "finite financial resource".

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Mr Grove said: "I have been working on my policing plan for a number of weeks.

"The draft plan will go for consultation in February and will be delivered to town and parish councils, local authorities, community groups and individuals to consult with them on.

"The decision for the budget will be made by central Government and we will be given this on December 19.

"But we will be working within very, very tight financial circumstances."

Mr Grove was in North Lincolnshire, speaking to residents in Brigg, as part of a number of public surgeries he plans to hold.

Paul Robinson, who Mr Grove announced would stand as his deputy, said such surgeries were an important part of the work they were doing.

He said: "We are looking to hold at least two of these a week and it is still like we are campaigning. In North Lincolnshire, we have a great neighbourhood watch scheme and want to see if we can roll this out across Humberside.

"I have held meetings to look at how we get more special constables to try to get back to the community constable.

"We want to look at getting a new type of special constable, one who is slightly older who knows the community."

Mr Grove described the period since taking over as police and crime commissioner as being like a "whirlwind", but said he was enjoying every minute of it.

Since his appointment, Mr Grove has announced his intention to appoint Mr Robinson as his deputy and has already advertised for the position of chief constable to replace the retiring Tim Hollis.

"I am very, very busy, but what an honour to be given and what a job," he said.

Speaking of his appointment of Mr Robinson, he said: "I have announced my intention of who I want as my deputy. I don't think it will have shocked anyone.

"I have appointed Paul because he is a politician. He is battle-hardened and has been in these challenging situations and he has done what I have done and that is make the right decisions, not the easy ones."