MIKE HILL: Our police have done a marvellous job during lockdown

My thoughts are very much with Jane’s family as the Public Inquiry begins this week; it’s refreshing to know that my old friend John Cooper QC is part of the legal team representing the families of the victims. Having represented families in the Deep Cut Barrack and Liverpool 96 enquiries and the Barrister representing our own Richard Lee in the fight to find his daughter Katrice, I have every confidence in him to deliver justice.

I have unashamedly been banging on about the lack of police resources in Hartlepool ever since I was elected in 2017. Government cuts to Police and Justice resulting from their failed austerity agenda, have effectively reduced the ranks of frontline Bobbies by 500 since 2010, led to the closure of our Magistrates Court and the mothballing of our police cells. As a result the ability of Cleveland Constabulary to police our streets and communities has been much reduced. Given the limited resources to hand, the Force have done a marvellous job during lockdown, including targeting known and wanted criminals, and so, last week, it was fantastic news to learn that extra funding has been provided to increase police numbers in the Town with a renewed emphasis on Neighbourhood Policing; something we’ve all been crying out for.

On the subject of COVID 19 itself, everyone knows just how hard we’ve worked as a town to stave off the virus and keep each other safe. We have done so with diligence and determination, even after lock down was eased but, as we all know, nearby Middlesbrough is on the ‘Watch List’ and the number of people testing positive is on the increase. We need to stick to the rules of social distancing, stay at home where we can in order to save lives and protect the NHS. Please keep up the good work and keep vigilant.