WITH around 48 hours left until the Autumn Statement is made, South Lakes MP Tim Farron is urging the public to pile the pressure on Chancellor George Osborne not to cut Cumbria Police's budget.

The forces' funding faces two threats – the first being at least £11 million of cuts likely to be announced on Wednesday.

Secondly, changes to the funding formula which would likely see £15m cut have only been delayed by the Government, rather than scrapped completely.

Earlier this month Mr Farron launched a campaign calling on the Government to change its decision - and he is now hoping to gain some further momentum in the final hours.

He told the Gazette this morning: "Given the current situation with the threat of potential terrorist attacks being very high reducing police numbers is a stupid idea.

"If they cut the police as expected it will become a reactive force and the days of community policing will be gone."

Mr Farron recently spent some time with all ranks of Cumbria Police and was told about the problems they are currently faced with.

He said: "What struck me was how unsafe it is being a police officer where they are regularly being sent out to jobs on their own.

"I know of at least two people who have been assaulted and had to take time off work because of their injuries."

Mr Farron added he was also anxious as to whether promised funding for the electrification of the Lakes Line and a radiotherapy unit at Westmorland General Hospital remained in Government plans.

He said: "I know they want to balance the books but we do not need to save more than needed."

Sign the petition here: http://timfarron.co.uk/en/petition/protect-our-police