MORE police patrols are needed in a vandal-hit village where a spy camera bid was snubbed by the Home Office who felt crime rates were too low.

Campaigning Newchurch Women's Institute members want higher profile policing in Culcheth.

They claim people are scared of leaving their homes at night, and are so sick of damage to property and petty theft, they have written a letter of protest to the Cheshire Police Authority.

Their action has been backed by Warrington North MP Helen Jones, Culcheth Parish Council and the village's three borough councillors Keith and Sue Bland and Les Hoyle.

Vandalism

A WI spokeswoman said: "We suffer a lot of vandalism, rowdyism and small crime and we never see a policeman around.

"When the village had half the population it has now there were two policemen here, now our nearest station is Risley.

"The situation is terrible and it is a big talking point in the village.

"There have been muggings in the car park, bus shelters and phone boxes damaged and intruders just wander up and enter people's houses.

"Villagers have to keep their doors locked and are scared to stay out late at night. We even have to secure our meeting in the village hall because invaders just walk in. They have even climbed on he roof."

Cllr Keith Bland said: "The situation is abominable. We have youths roaming the streets causing problems for villagers. It has got so bad people don't want to go out at night, especially women.

"The Parish Council wrote to Warrington police asking for a police forum in the village but we have been waiting five months for a response. I'm not criticising our policemen it is a lack of resources which is to blame.

"We even asked the Home Office for CCTV cameras costing £20,000 but were knocked back because they said there was not enough crime.

"A lot of the problems stem from underage drinking and young people claiming they have nothing to do.

"I can sympathise in some cases, but Culcheth has a good youth club, coffee bars and playing fields they could use.

"The Parish Council has called for more police cover, now the WI are having a go. The more people who complain the more likely we are to get some action. The last couple of years have been really bad."

MP Helen Jones said: "As a resident of the village I know there are concerns about anti-social behaviour which I am discussing with the police. I believe the Parish Council are writing to me about these problems and clearly if the WI would like to contact me I would be happy to discuss their concerns and raise them in the appropriate quarters as well.

Officer numbers

"Latest available figures show that Cheshire police have seen an increase in officer numbers of nearly one per cent in the six months to September 2001. Each constabulary has operational discretion and it is the responsibility of the Chief Constable as to where officers are deployed.

Her Labour colleague and Leigh MP Andy Burham, who grew-up in Culcheth, said he was aware of the concern about the conduct of young people in the village.

A Cheshire police spokesman said: "The letter was received by the Cheshire Police Authority on Monday. A reply will be sent to the WI and a copy of it forwarded to the divisional commander in Warrington, Supt Phil Thompson, for his attention."