THE last remaining member of the original Police Community Liaison Group has retired after a second heart attack.

Stuart Hide has represented Golborne and District Sports Group on the police panel, now renamed Public Voice on Policing (PVP), since it began as a pilot scheme in 1982. He later became vice chairman and has been chairman for the past 12 years.

Mr Hide, aged 68, has been forced to resign as chairman after doctors told him to slow down following a heart attack in March.

PVP was introduced with the aim of reducing crime in the community, it gives people the chance to discuss community policing issues, such as youth disturbance, street robbery and theft.

Mr Hide said: "The scheme is a success as it makes the police more accountable to the public. It's not safe to go out these days, particularly for women. Youngsters need to be educated."

Chairman of GMPA, Stephen Murphy presented Mr Hide with an engraved crystal tankard to commemorate his 20-year service to the community group at a ceremony last week. He also received a bottle of whisky from Supt Mary Boylan.

Mr Hide, of Maple Crescent, Lowton, sold his Leigh-based rubber stamp business three years ago, following his first heart attack in 1998.

A former football referee, he has chaired numerous community groups including Leigh Civic Trust and Leigh Referee's Association, and is a past president of the Lancashire Referee's Association.

Following doctors' advice and pressure from his three children and eight grand-children, he plans to reduce his hectic schedule but will continue as chairman of the International Committee for Leigh Rotary, a police custody visitor and a Bedford High governor.