There will be an increased police presence in Congleton this summer in an effort to reduce anti-social behaviour.

It's part of a new scheme named 'The Safer Streets Summer Initiative', which will involve more patrols around the town centre and police working with businesses to identify issues.

The summer initiative will also support young people in Congleton, with extra activities funded through seized criminal money.

The aim is to reduce and prevent the kind of anti-social behaviour and retail crime over the summer months to restore faith in community policing.

Assistant Chief Constable Ali Ross, Cheshire Constabulary said: "In Cheshire we have a real focus on neighbourhood policing and will continue this work throughout the summer to support this initiative and keep our communities safe.

"This will be done alongside partners, who our dedicated local officers will continue to work with to protect, support and reassure residents and businesses across the county.

"Antisocial behaviour, retail crime and street crime have a big impact on local communities and will not be tolerated in Cheshire. Those who commit these offences can expect to face the consequences of their actions."

The scheme has been devised by the Home Office. Police forces across the country will be implementing it until 30 September.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "High streets and town centres are the very heart of our communities. Residents and businesses have the right to feel safe in their towns.

But the last government left a surge in shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour which has left too many town centres feeling abandoned. 

"It's time to turn this round, that's why I have called on police forces and councils alike to work together to deliver a summer blitz on town centre crime to send a clear message to those people who bring misery to our towns that their crimes will no longer go unpunished."