VOLUNTARY and community groups are being urged to come together to ensure that their voice is heard loud and clear by the new Police and Crime Commissioner when he or she is elected later this year.

The Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service (CCVS) is seeking to build a network of all the groups involved in tackling crime and community safety in advance of the elections for the area’s new Commissioner in November.

It wants to raise awareness of the Commissioner’s role and make sure that the contribution of the voluntary sector is not overlooked.

Mark Freeman, deputy chief executive of the CCVS, said: “The new Commissioner will be responsible for the way that crime is tackled in their area, including what priorities are set and how money is spent.

“Many voluntary and community groups already do excellent work with victims, witnesses and offenders. They also work tirelessly to help reduce crime in many ways, from working with young people to helping the elderly make their homes safer.

“We want to try to ensure that when the Commissioner starts work, he or she fully understands the importance of the work that the sector does and that he or she supports this both practically and financially.

“It is early days and our plans are only just developing. In due course we plan to hold a meeting in March for all the groups in Fenland. Meanwhile, we want to hear about the type of work you do. So please get in touch.”

For more information, visit www.cambridgecvs.org.uk or contact the CCVS on 01223 464696 or e-mail enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk