CUMBRIA'S Police and Crime Commissioner is to look at how 'blue light' services' can best work together to reduce costs and keep officers operating in the county.

Peter McCall, who is marking his first year in office, said he would be exploring how the police can best collaborate with other agencies, particularly the fire service.

“I will continue to ensure that we have the best policing service that the county can afford," he said. "I will be looking at how we can ensure that blue light services work together to deliver the best possible service particularly the synergies between police and fire."

He added: "“I am conscious that every penny of public money must be well spent. I am proactively looking at ways to reduce my office costs at a time when there is still some uncertainty over police funding due to potential changes to the funding formula.

“I am a great believer in ‘we – not they’ and this is clearly evident here in Cumbria where it really is a team effort from members of the public, partners to the police in keeping us all safe."

Mr McCall said that cybercrime is a major issue in the county and he would be launching a new project in the next few weeks to keep people safe online.

And he said that neighbourhood policing is critical in how the county is policed and that he has appointed an additional three inspectors dedicated to developing better links with communities.

Mr McCall said he had been immensely proud and privileged to be Police and Crime Commissioner and that during his first year he had been extremely impressed by the dedication and hard work that goes into making the county safe.

“With the help of the public, I have set the Police and Crime Plan which lays out the policing objectives for Cumbria Constabulary. There are eight main priorities from tackling crime and anti-social behaviour to supporting victims.

Among his achievement to date include the launch of a Youth Commission which gives young people in the county the opportunity to have their voice heard as well as influencing policing in the future.

He has helped secure £3million of Home Office funding to improve police, health, and social care.

“I have been able to support a number of local projects through my community and property funds getting support into the local community at a level which will make a real difference to people’s lives and where they live," he said.

He said one example was being able to provide funding for Appleby Heritage to deliver free training to young people focusing on road safety, speed awareness and the effect of criminal records on life choices.