ROSSENDALE is set to benefit from a shake-up of the policing structure and 10 new officers on the beat.

The changes will be made after a review of policing in the Valley and consultation with councillors in a bid to improve response times and bolster community policing

The first change will involve response policing being directed from one site in Bacup rather than the original two sites in Bacup and Rawtenstall.

The move is designed to create larger, combined teams of officers.

The teams will have increased supervision and be able to provide a better response service to residents living in the borough.

Stacksteads councillor Michael McShea today welcomed the news.

He said: "I think it is wonderful. It's going to be a real boost for Rossendale and what makes it better for the community is knowing the police have listening to what they have said and acted on their information."

The inspectors, community beat managers, police community support officers, CID officers, public inquiry officers and support staff will remain unaffected and stay at their current stations.

A new team of four will be based at Rawtenstall to target criminals and drive down crime levels.

Community policing will benefit from the arrival of six additional community beat officers over the next 12 months. Five extra road policing officers who have already moved to the Valley.