AS elections take place to change how policing is run in Cheshire, the county’s outgoing committee has looked back on its 17 years at the helm.

Cheshire Police Authority has met for the last time before residents go to the polls tomorrow to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner.

Margaret Ollerenshaw, authority chairman, said it faced a number of challenges when it was formed in 1995, including modernising buildings and equipment and developing a neighbourhood focus. Police officers, PCSOs and special constables worked with residents and organisations to tackle issues behind crime and anti-social behaviour.

Mrs Ollerenshaw said: “Our aim has always been to deliver an effective and efficient police service to ensure the safety of the public in Cheshire.

“Our success was recognised by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and by the Audit Commission. We are proud to have served the public of Cheshire.”