Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes Government review of PCC role

MERSEYSIDE'S Police Commissioner has welcomed a Government review of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) model. PCCs were 1st introduced in 2012 to replace Police Authorities. They are directly elected to be the voice of the people and deliver an effective and efficient Police Force in their area. The 2 part review will get underway in the summer, with the second stage due to take place following the PCC elections in May 2021. It will include looking at what extra powers PCCs need to better fight crime in their areas. We are told that the review will not consider scrapping the PCC model, nor will it review the 43 Police Force model.  Merseyside's Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said:- "I join my PCC colleagues around the country in welcoming this review. PCCs have now been in office for 2 full terms, plus the additional time caused by the postponement of the elections due to the Coronavirus epidemic. This seems a fitting and appropriate time to review the role of PCCs, reflect on the progress made over the last eight years and assess how the role should continue to be developed going forward. The role has already changed considerably since I was elected as Merseyside's 1st Police Commissioner in 2012, particularly in regards to the responsibility for victim services, and there are good examples of PCCs being incorporated into Regional mayoral structures. PCCs have been able to drive forward changes that our predecessors in the Police Authorities were simply unable to deliver. Here in Merseyside, I have saved more than ₤1m ever year on the scrutiny and oversight of the Police, while simultaneously improving transparency. I look forward to an open dialogue with the Government about how the work of PCCs can be further shaped and expanded to address and meet the needs of our Police Forces and communities going forward, while further increasing the visibility and awareness of this important role."

World's Strongest Disabled Man Attempts 100 Mile Hand Cycle Ride from Leicester to Skegness for Charity

PETE Linnett, 3x World's Strongest Disabled Man, will attempt to hand cycle 100 miles from Leicester to Skegness this summer in aid of the charity Spinal Research. The 56 year old, who was born with spina bifida and uses crutches to walk, will attempt the event on 15 August with 6 close friends. The man from Glen Parva said:- "I am 1 of the lucky few who can still walk, and I exercise this by supporting those who can't. Spinal Research is a cause close to my heart because I know there are a lot of people worse off than me"

Pete, who is also a 4x World Bench Press Champion, 1st wanted to attempt this challenge in 2015, but broke his knee so had to pull out.He then managed to complete the challenge in 2017 and raised nearly ₤1000 for Spinal Research in the process. The former British Paralympian said:- "I swore I'd never EVER do it again, but I am too easily persuaded! While training, Pete also planned another challenge to take on afterwards, where he will bench press 10 reps at 60kg every 5 minutes for 6 hours, also in aid of Spinal Research.

For more information about Pete Linnett go to his Instagram Page:- @petelinnett_power or to donate, please go to:- JustGiving.Com/FundRaising/Pete-Linnett1 For more information about Spinal Research contact:- Info@Spinal-Research.Org or call on:- 02076538935.