THERE have been more complaints about crime in Blackrod in the last six months than the last 20 years, according to one councillor.

Cllr Graham Farrington, who represents the South Ward on Blackrod Town Council, said residents had been approaching the authority about incidents including anti-social behaviour and break-ins.

It has led to calls for a greater police presence in the village, which people claim has been stripped back in recent years.

Cllr Farrington said: "We did get a police officer come and speak to us and they explained the cutbacks and being short-staffed.

"The anti-social behaviour seems to have been curbed a little bit but it has not been completely eradicated.

"We have had so many people coming to the town council and complaining about burglaries and anti-social behaviour.

"I do not really understand why it was happening. There is more anti-social behaviour, robberies, break-ins and other incidents taking place in the last six-eight months than the last 20 years.

"It really has got out of hand. But it has curbed a little bit and it has improved but there is a severe lack of policing.

Bolton West MP Chris Green has also been approached by residents from Blackrod in recent weeks and he has called for action from the police.

In response, superintendent Rick Jackson, from Greater Manchester Police, said the Bolton district had invested heavily into the 'target operating model'.

He said: "This means that we problem-solve long term issues within the community. This includes officers and partners with specific responsibilities for the Blackrod area.

"Funding and officer numbers have already been widely reported upon and we continue to prioritise incidents based on the risk, harm and threat that they present, deploying our staff accordingly.

"I would like to reassure residents within the Blackrod area that officers are there to address their concerns and target those causing the greatest harm."