THE additional £13 million of funding being given to help Kent police fight crime has been welcomed by Dartford MP Howard Stoate.

The money will be ring-fenced for new initiatives such as the £750,000 operation against vehicle crime.

The 6.9 per cent rise, to be spread over 2001 to 2002, is performance-linked. Every force receiving the extra funding will be expected to meet specific efficiency and crime reduction targets.

Dr Stoate said: Not for 20 years has the police received such a significant boost.

It is excellent news for Kent and will ensure the police in this county have the resources they need to fight crime while continuing to expand and modernise its services.