FEARS over the loss of beat bobbies in Winsford and Middlewich could be reduced following plans to recruit extra police officers.

Cheshire Constabulary has revealed it will employ a total of 147 new officers across the county over the next three years.

Of these 93 will be given jobs within the coming months to fill the new posts and other vacancies created by the retirement of long-serving officers.

It is not yet known how many officers are to be based in Congleton and Vale Royal Division, or what their main resposibilities and duties will be.

But Cheshire police spokesman, Chief Inspector Penny Smith, said the increase will help to restore local residents' faith in community policing.

"Any increase in officers is clearly welcome and we plan to put them to very good use, but it will take a while," she said.

"The public's requirement is certainly a voice which talks about more rural officers and we are certainly looking into those areas."

The announcement comes after the Home Office last week agreed to provide funding for 51 extra police officers between 2001 and 2003, in addition to the money the Government allocated in 1999 for 86 new policing posts.

CI Smith added: "We are aware of the issue in relation to officers on the beat but we will need to make the most effective use of these officers, and that means targetting the areas where they would be most productive in order to take account of public feeling."

Guardian readers wanting details of a policing career with Cheshire constabulary should ring 01244 614021.

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