RESPONDING to emergency calls was one of the top priorities for people in Cheshire when asked about the police.

Cheshire Police Authority has been asking residents what issues they were most concerned about.

People also highlighted tackling violent crime, organised crime and terrorism and drug dealers.

Tackling anti-social behaviour and more officers in the community came seventh and eighth on a list of 17 policing services which the public were asked to rate as essential or a lower priority.

A total of 1,238 (65%) said they thought Cheshire Constabulary do an excellent or good job.

Margaret Ollerenshaw, Chairman of the Police Authority, said: “Each year, the Authority asks the public about policing to help it set the Chief Constable’s objectives and the police budget.

“This time, we decided to get out and talk to people by visiting towns right across the area.

“We were delighted with the number of people who were prepared to stop and give us their time and views.”

Cheshire Police Authority is an independent body responsible for ensuring Cheshire Constabulary delivers an efficient and effective police service – it is made up of 17 local people, including nine councillors and eight members of the general public.

In addition to the “Roadshow” there was a postal and on-line survey which in total garnered around 2,000 responses.