GREATER Manchester Police (GMP) has bolstered the command of its local policing after the appointment of two chief superintendents.

The force's Local Policing Model has increased its command areas from four to six with the West Command Area, which includes Bolton and Wigan, being taken charge of by Chief Supt Stuart Ellison.

Previously, Chief Supt Ellison oversaw three districts, but Bury, which he used to oversee, has now been moved to another command area.

Temporary Chief Supt Andy Sidebotham, who served as GMP's Silver Commander for the force's response to the pandemic, will take responsibility for GMP's South Command Area, which consists of Stockport and Trafford.

And Temporary Chief Supt Harrison will lead the East Command Area, which includes Oldham and Tameside, having recently served as supt for GMP's Salford District.

Both temporary chief superintendents started their new roles on Monday.

Under the new structure, the North Command Area will cover GMP's Bury and Rochdale districts and be overseen by Chief Supt Chris Allsop.

The Salford District will become its own respective command area and carry on being looked after by Chief Supt Shaun Donnellan.

The City of Manchester will remain the same command area and continue to be led by Chief Supt Paul Savill.

GMP says the hierarchy change will reduce the span of command of the chief superintendents in local policing, allowing them to work more effectively with partners and deliver more "effective victim-centred policing".

Acting Chief Constable Ian Pilling said: "I'm delighted to announce that we have appointed two additional chief superintendents as part of a significant local policing restructure.

"Andy and Rachael bring with them a wealth of experience that I have no doubt will be of great benefit to everyone who lives and works in their respective command areas.

"We have moved quickly to implement this local policing restructure; however this was a positive change that we felt we needed to make in the best interests of the public that we serve.

"By injecting more leadership at a local level, our chief superintendents can invest more time in executive partnership work which means that the police are playing more of an active role in supporting their communities and driving positive changes that will benefit the public.

"This will in turn act as a really strong foundation for us to deliver more effective victim-centred policing, which is ultimately our main objective for the restructure."

Greater Manchester’s deputy mayor for policing, crime and criminal justice, Bev Hughes, said: “This is very good news for local communities and will provide added reassurance to residents across our city-region.

“The appointment of two additional chief superintendents is just one of the many measures underway to strengthen neighbourhood policing in Greater Manchester.

"The new policing restructure will enable an improved service, as well as ensure victims of crime are receiving the support they need and deserve.”