Check rural credentials of Police and Crime Commissioner hopefuls, says CLA in the North

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) in the North is urging those who live and work in rural areas to ensure the candidates standing for Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) have an understanding of rural concerns.

Launching its manifesto on rural crime ahead of the PCC elections on 15 November, the CLA identified metal and fuel theft, poaching and fly-tipping as crimes that have a huge impact on rural businesses and communities.

CLA North Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “The geography of the North means that in large constituencies, rural issues are all too often overshadowed by urban concerns. Candidates have more potential voters in towns and cities, but they also have a responsibility to look after those in the countryside.

“At this time of year especially, as we move into more hours of darkness, the incidences of equipment and metal theft, fly tipping, livestock rustling and poaching increase greatly in isolated rural communities.”

Miss Fairburn added: “We are now little more than three weeks before the election, and some candidates have still to make their introductory statement, so we are urging members to research the rural credentials of the candidates in their area.

“It is very easy to dismiss these new appointments as irrelevant, but it is only by getting involved that we will get the PCC who can offer us the best future.”

A full list of candidates is available here: www.policeelections.com/candidates  

The CLA manifesto can be viewed here: www.cla.org.uk/pa_docs/CrimeCommissioner.pdf