CAMBRIDGESHIRE Chief Constable Julie Spence went out on the beat for her Christmas message - and took action to solve a parking complaint. Mrs Spence s brief patrol in Huntingdon was filmed for part of her end-of-year vodcast. As she stopped to talk to me

CAMBRIDGESHIRE Chief Constable Julie Spence went out on the beat for her Christmas message - and took action to solve a parking complaint.

Mrs Spence's brief patrol in Huntingdon was filmed for part of her end-of-year vodcast.

As she stopped to talk to members of the public and officers, she listened to a complaint about double parking in St Neots - and immediately took action to get the problem investigated.

Mrs Spence, who was yesterday (Christmas Eve) set to visit officers on the frontline again, said: "I followed the complaint up later to make sure action was being taken.

"I had a great time on patrol and met several members of the public who wanted to stop for a chat."

In her vodcast, which for the first time features other police staff in action, Mrs Spence thanks the public for their support which has "helped construct the change in our approach" to policing.

She said: "Strategic and tactical decisions are now, more than ever, based on the impact they are likely to have on you and your community."

Recalling a series of critical media headlines in late summer which "we helped to heap on ourselves", Mrs Spence said the force has learned lessons and, while still getting things wrong from time to time, is moving on.

She also said: "To those who think we have done a great job and have said so - many thanks.

"To those we have let down - or even just think we have failed - my apologies. We aim to do better.