New police chief appointed

A new chief constable has been appointed who will have responsibility for police in Barnsley.

David Crompton, 48, replaces Meredydd Hughes who retired in October. He will have to contend with significant budget cuts but said: "I am looking forward to the challenge of leading the force through what is a significant transitional period for policing across the UK.

"We will have to successfully manage the reduction in our budgets, changes to our partner agencies and the impact this will have on communities across South Yorkshire.

"A lot of work has been undertaken in South Yorkshire to ensure crime is at its lowest for more than 20 years. We will be doing all we can to continue this success."

Mr Crompton leaves West Yorkshire police to take up the role. He was assistant chief constable before becoming deputy in 2008.

South Yorkshire Police Authority chairman, Charles Perryman, said Mr Crompton would be a real asset.

Temporary Chief Constable, Bob Dyson, said: "David joins us at a challenging time but the force is well placed to meet those challenges."