ALMOST £1 million in community safety and partnership working investment is helping to make Cheshire a safer place.

During 2014/15 the community funding from Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer has gone to the four Community Safety Partnerships across Cheshire’s council areas, as well as youth offending teams and substance misuse services.

Mr Dwyer said: “As a result of this funding we have been able to carry out some fantastic partnership work across the county to make Cheshire a safer place to live and work, with a number of valuable services provided to prevent crime and support victims.

“The money has helped services and interventions for young people, repeat victims of domestic abuse and vulnerable people, and tackling drug misuse.

“An example of the impact of the funding can be seen in custody where the ‘Test on Arrest’ scheme has resulted in more drug takers directed into schemes to give them the support they need to quit.

“I am delighted that this positive work has contributed to year on year reductions in the levels of crime, anti-social behaviour and business crime.

“There have also been increases in previously under-reported crimes such as domestic violence and hate crime as an awareness of the issues has grown.”

The funding, which is set against the priorities of the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan, with performance measured against an agreed set of outcomes, has been maintained for current year.

Mr Dywer said: “The good news is that due to the success seen in 2014/15 I have decided to continue the funding into 2015/16, helping to continue the good work of the Constabulary and their partner agencies in keeping Cheshire safe.”

Assistant Chief Constable Guy Hindle said: “Many of the challenges the police face cannot be resolved by the police alone. It is recognised nationally that we work well with other organisations and Partners across Cheshire to make people safer, ensuring we’re here for communities.”