A BUTCHER, hailed a hero after chasing robbers through Middlewich, has added his voice to the argument over policing in the town.

Aidan Devaney rang police from his shop before chasing two men who had just raided the Cheshire Building Society on Friday afternoon, August 4.

But police did not arrive for nearly 15 minutes.

Mr Devaney believes better policing in the town would have led to the capture of the robbers.

"I was very disappointed that it took police precisely 13 minutes to get to the scene," said Mr Devaney.

"If a policeman had been manning the station it would have taken him two minutes and, as they ran across Somerfield car park, I feel sure we would have got them."

Police are currently reviewing station manning across Cheshire and have promised Middlewich will be under consideration.

Meanwhile they have renewed their appeal for anyone with information regarding the robbery in Middlewich.

Anyone who can help should ring Sergeant Phil Bowyer on 01244 612579 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.