PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson is urging people to have their say on plans to change police stop-and-search powers.

Mr Stephenson welcomed the six-week consultation.

He said: “I am all in favour of more police on the beat, but it is certainly alarming to learn that the equivalent hours worked by 145 full-time police officers is being spent on more often-than-not unproductive stop-and-searches.

“No one can doubt that stop-and-search can be a very useful tool in the police’s fight against crime. But such searches must become more time-efficient and primarily evidence-based.

“I would encourage the public to participate in this consultation, because it is important we get this right – both to stop crime and to ensure positive police-community relations.”

You can respond to the consultation by visiting the Home Office website or by emailing your comments to Stopandsearch@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk by August 13.