STAFF at Cheshire Police have been awarded for finding ways of making every penny count by using resources more efficiently.


The constabulary′s estates and facilities team, led by Emma Marvell and Karen Wickstead, have received national recognition for their efforts to cut costs while also protecting the environment.


Energy efficiency schemes such as solar panels, a staff car share scheme, water saving devices in toilets and LED lighting at some stations were just some of the measures that led to them picking up two gongs at the British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) Awards and the Public Sector Sustainability Awards.


The Constabulary also introduced an innovative cannabis disposal method that is delivering savings of £36,000 a year.


DCC Janette McCormick said: "We are operating in a climate where, as our budgets are squeezed ever tighter, it is essential to make funds go further, but at the same time equip our staff with the equipment to do the job. 


"One way of doing this is to find new and innovative ways of working, sometimes thinking outside the box, and these are excellent examples of our staff and officers really putting their thinking caps on for the benefit of all of us.”