New Lancashire Police chief constable to boost community policing

Sacha Hatchett wants to double the number of special officers to support neighbourhood police

A new chief constable has promised to boost community policing to tackle the issues blighting neighbourhoods.

Lancashire Police's new top officer Sacha Hatchett wants to crack down on drugs, anti-social behaviour and anti-social driving.

At a meeting confirming her appointment she told councillors she was "wedded to neighbourhood policing".

The former assistant chief constable took over from Chris Rowley, who has recently retired.

She told the meeting in Blackburn Town Hall she knew that when local police worked with other organisations on local issues, the partnership was effective.

She said significant investment had been put into neighbourhood policing, with over 600 staff working in the field.

She said she wanted to double the number of special constables and wanted to be "held to account" as she tackled the problems communities faced.

She added: "We cannot do it on our own. We absolutely need the support of our communities but actually I think we can get there."