THE emphasis on tackling crime in Warrington will be switched to the town's police, borough council and the community with the launch of new Government legislation next week.

The Crime and Disorder Act, which will become law next Wednesday, will transfer responsibility for combating and preventing crime away from the Home Office to localised agencies working in special partnerships.

The new measures will also involve representatives from education, health and social service sectors and the probation service as well as police and fire divisions and the local authority.

The aim is for Warrington to identify specific problems the town faces and address them hand-in-hand with the community.

A true picture of the town's crime and disorder problems must now be identified in a 'crime audit', which will highlight problem areas and allow an effective strategy to be created to tackle crime head on.

Police commander Superintendent Kevin Mayhew believes that Warrington is already working along the right lines.

"We are very positive about the new legislation and Warrington is already using the partnership approach with initiatives such as Warrington Youth Action, Agenda 21 and Drugwatch.

"Many of the strategies that have been suggested by the Act are areas that we already think are important and looking at now," said Supt. Mayhew.

Cutting the fear of crime, reducing burglaries, youth nuisance issues and the drugs problem are high on the town's agenda which will involve increasing public consultation.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of Warrington Borough Council, said: "We will be consulting with people about the plan because community involvement is important.

"This will be done first through a survey of about 1500 people and then through public forums, community associations and the media," said Mr Broomhead.

The audit and study has to be completed by the end of April 1999 and an effective blueprint drawn up soon after.

Added Mr Broomhead: "It's about targeting resources effectively to make all areas of the town better places to live. It's about improving the quality of life."

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