South Wales Police must be allowed to keep M4 Corridor safe - Randerson + Willott

3.51.00pm GMT Tue 17th Feb 2009

Jenny Randerson wants the Labour Government to fund the extra cost of policing the capital

Cardiff Central Liberal Democrats have called on the Government to address urgently the warning from South Wales Police that they will not be able to afford to police the M4 if their funding is not improved.

Jenny Randerson AM and Jenny Willott MP were speaking after South Wales Police's Chief Constable, Barbara Wilding, warned that the Force would withdraw from policing the M4 soon.

Jenny Randerson said: "Lothian and Borders Police is given extra funding from the Scottish Government to meet the cost of policing the Scottish capital, but the Labour-Plaid Government here refuse to address the shortfall in South Wales Police's budget.

"It is absolutely essential that the people of South Wales are given the policing needed to keep them safe, whether its in their homes and neighbourhoods, or travelling on the M4."

Jenny Willott added: "As the main traffic corridor in South Wales, it is essential that the M4 is kept safe. If policing is withdrawn, there could be a major impact on safety. 

"South Wales clearly doesn't get the funding it needs to cope with policing a major arterial route, as well as the Millennium Stadium, numerous sporting and artistic events, as well as the increased demands resulting from being a capital city.  South Wales Police are overstretched and the Welsh Assembly Government and the Home Office need urgently to liaise to ensure that the Police can do the job expected of them."

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