THE Chief Constable of Greater Manchester has ordered two senior police officers to have a clear the air meeting in Horwich.

David Wilmot acted after the town council expressed its "dissatisfaction" with the local police on behalf of the people of Horwich.

The council voted unanimously to write to Mr Wilmot -- the most powerful officer in the Greater Manchester Police force -- to officially register their unhappiness with the quality of policing in Horwich.

Mr Wilmot's reply was to arrange a meeting between councillors and two senior police officers -- believed to be Superintendent Stuart Bailey, of Astley Bridge police, and Inspector Peter Holden, of Horwich police.

It is hoped that they will be able to thrash out any problems concerning policing in the town.

Leader of Horwich Town Council Kevan Helsby said the council had acted after complaints from many people about the police.

He said that the temporary closure of Horwich police station and the problem with teenage hooligans had also prompted the drastic action.

Cllr Helsby -- who receives an MBE for his services to Horwich at Buckingham Palace this week -- added: "There are a number of different incidents that have been brought to our attention where the police have been criticised. "We want to see an effective police force to give people confidence. But as it is people are actually not looking forward to the summer because it means there will be more children on the streets. That isn't right. We want Horwich to remain a nice place."

"There may be worse problems in other areas of Greater Manchester involving guns and drugs. But just because Horwich is perceived as a nice area it doesn't mean we don't have crime."

The council's letter to the Chief Constable said that the people of Horwich were unhappy with the service they were getting.

And it added that councillors had "real concerns" about the police perception of Horwich, which, they said, could account for the insufficient emphasis placed on policing the town.

Mr Wilmot's reply -- which Greater Manchester Police declined to give a copy of to the BEN -- included facts and figures about policing in Horwich. Mr Wilmot said that the level of policing had been monitored and was at a reasonable level.

But he did think it necessary to arrange the meeting between the council and two senior officers. That will take place in the next few weeks.

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