Lamb Joins Specials On The Beat

2.30.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Oct 2006

North Norfolk Liberal Democrat MP Norman Lamb joined Special Constables in his constituency this weekend to experience a night on the beat. He congratulated them as new figures show North Norfolk bucking the trend with more Specials signing up.

Special Constables in Sheringham accompanied Mr. Lamb on Saturday night, giving him the opportunity to see first hand what is involved in patrolling a town centre.

Mr. Lamb's evening with the Special Constables coincided with the 175th anniversary of the formation of the Special Constabulary, with events taking place around the country to celebrate the landmark.

Mr. Lamb has recently obtained figures for the number of Special Constables in Norfolk and was delighted to find that the Eastern Police area, which covers his constituency of North Norfolk, has increased its number of Special Constables over the past 5 years, bucking the trend for other areas of the county in which numbers are in decline.

Mr Lamb said: "I'm delighted the number of Special Constables operating in my constituency has been increasing year on year, despite the problems with recruitment that other areas of the county are facing."

"Special Constables provide an invaluable voluntary service to the community. It takes a lot of community spirit and courage to take on a commitment like this and I have great admiration for the 251 people in Norfolk who can currently call themselves Special."