Liberal Democrats launch General Election plans for policing

7.02.16pm GMT Sat 13th Feb 2010

Liberal Democrats in Saffron Walden constituency have set out their General Election plans to put more police on the beat. The extra officers for Saffron Walden, Dunmow and Stansted will be funded by the savings from scrapping ID cards, and are part of the Liberal Democrats' Safer Streets - More and Better Police manifesto commitment. The plan is for 65 more officers in Essex.

Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Saffron Walden constituency, Peter Wilcock, said: "People in this constituency are often telling me how they feel unsafe.

"Expensive ID cards aren't going to change that, but an extra officer walking down the High Street or more police in Saffron Walden on Friday night will.

"The Liberal Democrats are committed to more police, and this is the only way to create safer streets."

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "The Liberal Democrats are the only party that wants to cut crime by putting more police on the street.

"When only one in a hundred crimes ends up with a conviction in court, it is time for things to change.

"Labour and the Conservatives may talk tough but they are unwilling to make the crucial decisions to cut crime."