Concerns have been raised around policing in Breightmet with the 101 service being described as ‘not fit for purpose’.

Local councillors say that residents have been complaining for some time about policing, with changes now being made to address these issues.

Councillors will now have a regular meeting with the neighbourhood policing team in order to address issues raised by residents, ranging from speeding to drug dealing.

Breightmet ward councillor Adele Warren said she shared residents’ frustrations around unanswered calls to 101, and that they are in regular discussions with the police.

Cllr Warren said: “After many local complaints regarding policing in Breightmet, we have now set up a regular meeting with the neighbourhood police team.

“I know it is extremely frustrating regarding 101 and unanswered calls.

“Your ward councillors are in regular discussions with the police and we do share your frustrations.

“Speeding in areas such as Withins Lane, Red Lane, Crossdale Road and Deepdale Road are areas we have highlighted, drug dealing in specific locations, off-road bikes/quad bikes are a few areas we are fighting for action. 101 is not fit for purpose.”

Chris Abalain, co-ordinator of Breightmet Blackshaw Neighbourhood Watch, said the community appreciated the work councillors had done in voicing residents concerns to police.

He said: “We’ve had various times over the last year or so where it’s been very difficult to contact the police about incidents at all.

“In the past we had very good relationships with neighbourhood police officers and teams but the point of contact would always move on then the communication was lost.

“It’s so hard to voice concerns and help the police tackle problems residents have if we simply can’t communicate with each other.

“Particular concerns over the last year or so have been off-road bikes around Leverhulme Park and drug deals happening in plain sight outside people’s homes,” he added.

“A lot of residents would like to see more police on the streets but we appreciate how under-resourced they are these days, so it’s difficult to know how to tackle these problems.”

Greater Manchester Police confirmed the changes that have been brought in, including the meetings, in order to address the problems that had been raised by local residents.