Page 13 - John Howson News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Here is everything you need to know before voting: What is the police and crime commissioner? The PCC is the elected head of Thames Valley Police – voted in by constituents in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire. Their role is to set out the way crime is tackled by the police. They do this by making a ‘police and crime plan’ – a document that outlines how much money the police expect to have in the next three years and how it plans to use the cash to cut crime in the area. The document is then used by the chief constable, currently John Campbell, for operational policing.

PCCs are elected to ensure their police forces are run effectively and efficiently. They set police force budgets, hold chief constables to account and raise any questions or concerns from the local community. Anthony Stansfeld, who has been the Thames Valley PCC since the post was created in 2012, is not standing for re-election at this year’s election on May 6. The Conservative was due to stand down last year, but the election was postponed by the coronavirus pandemic. Here are the five candidates looking to become the next PCC in the Thames Valley: Matthew Barber, Conservative�...

The controversial Walton Street traffic barrier is likely to be removed in new proposals put forward by Oxfordshire County Council. Twenty months ago the barrier was installed at the junction of Walton Street with Beaumont Street and Worcester Street with little warning after a roadworks scheme. The 'temporary' measure immediately divided people in the community with some wanting the barrier to remain and others, including some traders wanting it removed. Drivers unable to use Walton Street started using neighbouring streets including the narrow St Bernard's Road as rat runs, promptin...

SCHOOLS should reopen with caution, says a county teaching union representative.

SCHOOLS should reopen with caution, says a county teaching union representative.