Congleton area residents help shape future of local policing

Congleton area residents help shape future of local policing

Local towns host fifth citizens’ assembly

More than 30 residents representing communities in the Congleton area have come together to help shape local policing in the latest citizens’ assembly, run by Dan Price, Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Participants are taking part in three four-hour face-to-face workshops over four weeks in Congleton, Holmes Chapel and Middlewich. The workshops give the PCC a better understanding of local community policing needs and enable the participants to learn more about the Police and Crime Commissioner and Cheshire Constabulary.

Community-led policing is what Dan promised to deliver when he was elected as PCC and listening to the public is one of three pillars in his Police and Crime Plan.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dan Price said:

“It’s always encouraging to see local people coming together to talk openly about policing and safety in their communities. These assemblies highlight just how committed residents are to making their towns and villages safer and how important it is that everyone has the opportunity to share what matters most to them.

“I’m looking forward to reviewing the feedback from this latest assembly and seeing how it aligns with what we’ve heard in other areas. The insight and honesty we get from residents is invaluable. It helps shape local policing priorities and strengthens the partnership between communities and the police. That collaboration is what ultimately makes our communities safer.”

Dan Price is the first PCC in the country to hold citizens’ assemblies to form local policing priorities. They’re powerful spaces where an accurate representation of the community comes together – young and old, all backgrounds, with different views and different levels of trust in the police.

Some people have had direct experiences with the police; others have witnessed crime or simply care about their community. Most importantly everyone has a voice.

The first ones were held in Crewe and Nantwich at the end of 2024, followed by Runcorn and Widnes in early summer 2025 and then Macclesfield in the autumn. Nine will be held in total across the county, covering all the local policing areas.