CUMBRIA'S crime commissioner says people want to see more police on the beat - but he has warned potential financial woe might hit any such plans.

Peter McCall revealed the views of the public as he marked 100 days in the top role overseeing crimefighting in the county.

His predecessor, Richard Rhodes, had to deal with the prospect of cuts last autumn that would have cost the force millions of pounds.

These failed to materialise. But the shadow of future savings - in a system known as the funding formula - still hangs over policing in Cumbria and across the UK.

Mr McCall was elected crime commissioner in May.

His role includes responsibilities such as setting police priorities and holding Cumbria's chief constable, Jerry Graham, to account.

Mr McCall said many people tell him that they would like to see a more visible police presence.

He added: "I have started work with the chief constable to see what this may look like in the future although I am mindful that there may still be some significant funding issues to address around any changes in the funding formula."

The News & Star campaigned against the scale of planned cuts last autumn, with a petition backed by 14,471 people delivered to Downing Street.

The feared moves would have involved a change in the formula used to fund police forces, potentially leading to the loss of millions from this source of cash.

But the Government later shelved controversial changes.

Martin Plummer, chairman of Cumbria's police federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, spoke on the issue.

He said: "We will push hard with the force and the crime commissioner to increase officer numbers as best we can.

"Our force is recruiting to sustain the numbers that we have got, which is good for us.

"We want the officers that we have already got to be supported by further officers."

On his role in general, Mr McCall said: "As expected it has been a busy 100 days.

"I am incredibly impressed by all the hard work and dedication that goes on, not just in the police but across other agencies to keep us all safe.

"Often this is in difficult circumstances and with a real threat of harm.

“I have really enjoyed meeting people and this is something that I am keen to continue to do as I am here to represent the people of Cumbria.

"I would like to thank all the people that I have met or that have written to me for taking the time to let me know their concerns.

"I will use this feedback as I finalise the police and crime plan in the

autumn.

"This will set the future policing objectives for the police as well as the

future direction of my office."

Mr McCall said he was pleased to have been able to support projects that make a difference to lives and aim to break any cycle of offending.

He added: “I am keen to continue to further develop the excellent work that has been started to support victims of crime in the county.

"Alongside this I am looking at developing work around stopping people becoming involved in crime."