NATURE lovers are concerned at Cheshire police proposals to axe the position of wildlife and environmental officer as part of large-scale civilian staff cuts.
Wirral & Cheshire Badger Group has written to Cheshire Chief Constable David Whatton expressing concerns over the move to abolish the post occupied by Martin Findlow, a former police inspector.
Spokesman Chris Neden said: “This is a sad and retrograde step especially in view of the fact that wildlife crime has only fairly recently become nationally reportable with the setting up of the dedicated police National Wildlife Crime Unit established for precisely that purpose.”
Mr Neden urged all wildlife organisations and concerned members of the public to make their own representations.
“Hopefully, even at this late hour, a concerted show of feeling may persuade Mr Whatton to reverse this regrettable proposal,” he added.
Farmer Huw Rowlands of The Grange Farm, Mickle Trafford, said: “I think it would be a big mistake and perhaps endanger wildlife in the county at a time when there is definite evidence of otters coming back to the River Gowy thanks to the efforts of Cheshire Wildlife Trust.”
Cheshire police has carried out a review into its ‘middle office’ functions which includes specialist roles such as the wildlife officer post as part of a transformation project for the whole force aimed at plugging an £18m budget short-fall. Unison fears as many as 500 staff posts could be lost.
A police spokeswoman said: “Cheshire Constabulary is currently endeavouring to balance the budget against a wide range of priorities and the wildlife and rural crime officer post has been identified as one of a number of positions which may be lost. These are proposals only.
“Should the decision be made that the post will not remain, the work will be undertaken by a number of specialist rural officers.”
