10:46am Friday 12th March 2010
POLICE officers are being given a helping hand in their fight against crime thanks to councillors in Westhoughton.
The Town Council has agreed to pledge £5,000 to fund a new hire car for Bolton West’s Neighbourhood Policing Team.
Insp Mo Razaq asked councillors for their help after Greater Manchester Police withdrew its funding for hire cars.
Insp Razaq said: “We need the extra vehicles to improve policing in this area for the people that live here.”
He said he would provide a written business plan and payment documentation if required by councillors.
Town council leader Cllr David Chadwick said: “I think it is absolutely right that we support the local police in doing their job.”
The council agreed to work in partnership with officers to fund a basic saloon car for one year.
The vehicle will be branded with the town council’s name and will be used solely to help fight crime in Westhoughton.
There are currently 15 PCSOs and 11 officers in Bolton West but that figure is likely to increase.
In September last year, Horwich and Blackrod Two Towns Area Forum awarded £6,000 to fund two Vauxhall Insignias.
Cllr Chadwick added: “Westhoughton Town Council are in the position where we can make a difference. In Horwich and Blackrod there has been a substantial reduction in anti-social behaviour.”
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