THE LIBERAL Democrats have announced Paul Batchelor as their candidate for Wiltshire’s first police and crime commissioner election.

Mr Batchelor was selected after an overwhelming ballot of Swindon and Wiltshire Lib Dem members supported him. As chairman of the Warminster Police Neighbourhood Tasking Group, he has overseen a 41 per cent reduction in anti-social behaviour.

The Lib Dems say that with his 17 years of local authority experience and 24 years of managing a successful business in his home town, he has the experience and the skills to deliver.

Tackling drug-related crime by taking on the dealers and anti-social behaviour by increasing the police presence in market towns and rural areas are Mr Batchelor’s key pledges, alongside prioritising victim support.

He said: “Wiltshire’s first police commissioner should be out and meeting the public at every available opportunity and that’s what I will do.

“An effective police and crime commissioner is one who engages with the public.”

Swindon councillor Dave Wood (Eastcott) said: “Paul is the candidate who brings police experience where it counts, at neighbourhood level, as well as experience as a business owner and an elected public servant.

“This is a two-horse race, Labour cannot win across Wiltshire and Swindon... people can cast a second preference vote, to make sure their vote is not wasted.”

The other nominees are Clare Moody – Labour; Angus Macpherson – Tories, John Short — UKIP; plus independents Liam Silocks and Colin Skelton.