MEMBERS of police community liaison groups who are unhappy at how their chairmen will be chosen in future are to be addressed on the reasons for the change.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Cumbria Police Authority has decided that chairmen and vice-chairmen will be appointed from among members of the authority.

In the past, community liaison groups have chosen their own chairmen and vice-chairman.

Kendal's liaison group has protested at the change, describing it as undemocratic and 'wrong'.

Speaking at Cumbria Police Authority, Coun Joe Nicholson described the new system as "heavy handed", and questioned the need for change.

Authority chairman Coun Reg Watson said change was "inevitable" and the new system would ensure a better flow of information between the community liaison groups and the police authority.

He said the change was not politically motivated, and he hoped to address liaison group members to allay their fears.