ST HELENS South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer has called on the government to reverse cuts to the police force following the recent stabbings of Adam Ellison and Tommy Grace in Prescot.

Ms Rimmer used Prime Minister’s questions to discuss the recent cases of Adam Ellison and Tommy Grace, which happened in her constituency, citing the cuts to Merseyside Police as “unfair and unbalanced”.

She added that violent crime is up 20 per cent while Merseyside Police officer numbers are down by 22 per cent.

Ms Rimmer, 70, said: “It’s time that Theresa May’s Tories stopped short-changing the people of Prescot and reverse these unfair and unbalanced cuts to Merseyside Police and Merseyside councils to make sure everyone feels safe on the streets again.”

At a public meeting called by Knowsley Council last Thursday, November 9, the consensus of more than 300 people who attended was that they were afraid to challenge misbehaviour in the street and afraid to report misbehaviour to the police in case something happens to them.

Prescot is bidding to become home of Shakespeare North with a £6 million investment to build a new theatre.

However, after recent incidents of violent crime, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage in public parks, footpaths and to displays celebrating the heritage of Prescot have been destroyed by fire, there is now fear on the streets.