PRIME Minister Tony Blair has told The Guide he is looking at more severe sentences for carjackers and violent criminals.

He gave an exclusive interview to reporter Karen Spibey during an unannounced visit to Whitefield Police Station last Friday.

He praised the work of local officers, saying they were doing a "fantastic job in the community", and vowed the Government would be looking at ways of making policing more effective.

He said some police officers were equally concerned that offenders were not being punished severely enough for their crimes.

In a question and answer session, we quizzed Mr Blair on issues most affecting residents in Prestwich and Whitefield. The subjects were:

Carjackings

Bobbies on the beat

Firework nuisance

CCTV cameras

We asked: Prestwich and Whitefield appears to be an area which is regularly targeted for violent car thefts. What is being done to tackle this particular crime?

Mr Blair said: "The main thing is to make sure that the people who are caught and convicted of these crimes are dealt with by the courts. There is some concern from the police that when they are caught they are not dealt with severely enough, and that is something we are looking at. I believe that carjackings should carry a very serious penalty."

People undoubtedly feel safer if they regularly see a uniformed officer patrolling the streets. Should there be more bobbies on the beat?

Mr Blair said: "Absolutely, it's what people want -- to see visible community policing. We have record numbers of police officers in Greater Manchester and we are now hoping to free up officers' time so they can get out on the streets.

"There are certain things officers should not be doing, which get in the way of policing, and we are looking at ways of freeing up their time. There are the neighbourhood wardens, we could use the courts more effectively and there are civilians who could do charge sheets.

"We do not need to have police officers doing paperwork. It is a similar situation with other organisations, such as the hospitals and schools. We need to find ways of breaking up some of our old practices."

Firework nuisance is a regular bugbear for many residents. Can legislation be tightened on the sale and use of fireworks during the 11 months of the year that they are not traditionally used?

He said: "I am not sure it would help if you could only buy them just the day before. It is not when they buy them, but when they use them that is the problem. We have doubled the penalty for the misuse of fireworks and the police can give on-the-spot fines of £80. It is also illegal to sell to under 18s.

"We are currently contemplating on whether there should be a curfew on when they can be used, between certain hours of the day."

Prestwich was chosen for Government funding to provide an extensive system of CCTV cameras to combat crime. Why should Whitefield residents not have the same, even though they demand it, just because the level of reported crime does not warrant the "big brother" treatment?

Mr Blair said: "Most people don't object to CCTV cameras but it is a decision for the local police here."

As part of the Prime Minister's visit, he was shown the mobile CCTV video unit used by officers to detect street crime. Offenders are filmed by equipment in the van and the footage used as evidence to secure a conviction. Mr Blair was given a demonstration of the video unit before conducting the official re-opening of the refurbished station in Bury New Road.

The station has benefited from £750,000 of improvements, including new windows, a new communications system, an improved public enquiry counter and computerised briefing facilities.

He unveiled a commemorative plaque, telling assembled police officers: "You are doing a fantastic job in the community. It is our job to make sure you get the services that make sure our streets are safe for the law abiding citizens.

"It's good to see money working on the ground, in new facilities for the police. You also have extra numbers in police officers and a mobile video unit, which has proved particularly effective in tackling street robbery."

Mr Blair also met a host of local dignitaries, including Bury South MP Ivan Lewis, Euro MP Gary Titley, leader of the council Coun John Byrne, and Greater Manchester Chief Constable Michael Todd.

Inspector David Jones, head of Prestwich and Whitefield Township, said: "I was honoured that the Prime Minister found time to visit us at Whitefield and spent time to talk to the officers here. He spoke for 15 minutes to uniformed officers and detectives and had a chat and a cup of tea with the police community support officers."