This article appeared in the Cornish Guardian, Oct. 15.

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Fears Over Police Cover For Eclipse

Fears over the policing of next summer's total eclipse are to be raised in Parliament after the issue was highlighted at the Conservative Party Conference by Restormel borough councillor Richard Stewart.

Mr Stewart says the proposed £6 million cut in Devon and Cornwall's police budget could result in the loss of up to 300 front line officers and claims this loss exposes the Government's pretence of being the party of law and order.

Shadow Home Secretary Sir Norman Fowler told conference delgates he would be pressing Home Secretary Jack Straw for extra police funding. Crinnis ward councillor Mr Stewart said: "Although the majority of the estimated 1.5 to 3 million visitors attending the eclipse will be law abiding, unfortunately it will also attract an undesirable minority, like those who recently attended a festival of more than 10,000 people in my own ward.

"West Country Liberal Democrats must stop being Labour's poodles in Parliament and support Conservative efforts to secure this much-needed extra funding."