A POLICE forum will meet in a crime-hit village following parish council protests and action by a battling women's group.

Three months ago fed up members of Newchurch WI, who claimed Culcheth people are scared of leaving their homes at night, called for higher profile policing.

The group has received a reply from Cheshire Police's Warrington division promising a forum will be set up in the near future.

The WI's Mrs Patricia Poulter said: "We are delighted to have played a part in getting some action to halt vandalism and petty theft in this village."

Culcheth Parish Councillor Keith Bland said recently members had waited for eight months for police to respond to their forum request.

His councillor wife, Sue, said: "We had a meeting with police last week in Risley last week when the parish council promised to organise the forum and leaflet the village.

"Ideally we would like a community bobby and I am sure residents would be willing to pay a bit more more for one.

"However we have been told a new system of policing is being brought in and that we are a trial area. We hope to meet so the police can explain what this will mean."

Village MP Helen Jones said: "I welcome any initiative which increases contact between the police and residents of Culcheth.

"Similar police forums have been held in Birchwood and Cinnamon Brow during the past few months and these have proved to be a great success."

At the Newchurch WI meeting Mr R Bennicke spoke about dealing with the aftermath of war in Sarajevo.

Mrs I. Bromilow reported on the Cheshire Federation council meeting and Mrs Patricia Poulter highlighted the Millenium Garden project.

Members heard since plaque funding was no longer needed £25 will be donated to the horicultural society towards the cost of autumn bulbs.

The first aid tip competition winner was Mrs J Gregg ahead of A. Williams and O. Lee.