A SERIES of roadshows ahead of the election of a new police and crime commissioner are to start later this month.

The new commissioner will replace the current police authority and will be one of the biggest changes to police governance, the wider community safety agenda and possibly the criminal justice system.

And the roadshows, organised by the authority, are aimed at getting the message out about what is happening and ensure the public understand how the developments may affect them through potential changes to priorities and use of funding streams.

They will inform voters of projects already underway and how they are impacting on community life in North Yorkshire.

“Many of these initiatives are rarely recognised but are important to reducing crime and providing reassurance,” said a spokesman.

The roadshows will run from 10am to 2pm and start at the Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton on September 21.

Others will be at the St George Hotel, Harrogate , on September 27; the Priory Street Centre in York on October 2 and the Royal Hotel in Scarborough on October 4.