LEIGH'S police supremo, Supt Malcolm Howells, spent his last day at work on Wednesday after 30 years service.

And the top officer, who has dedicated three years to making the town a better place, will be sad to say goodbye (writes Lesley RICHARDS).

But after three decades of giving the job priority, he now plans to put his family first - and move into consultancy work.

Welshman Supt Howells (pictured) said: "Working in Leigh has changed my life. The experience I've gained from here will be put into practice in my new venture.

"I have been glad to be a part of the 'Wigan experience'.

"When I came to Leigh, I came to enjoy it. I have put myself about and have met many wonderful people.

"My philosophy is look for the best in everyone, and if people trust you they will go with you.

"I write to everyone who writes to me and I answer my own phone. I apologise if there is need to. In fact I don't hide from anyone."

Since his arrival he has worked to develop successful links with the council, local businesses and schools.

Supt Howells says in his time he has changed not only through experience and maturity, but through geographical and cultural changes.

"I don't want to make myself sound like a saint, because I've made lots of mistakes - and learned from them."

He first came to the area in 1982 as an Inspector at Ashton, when it was so quiet officers spoke to anyone walking the streets after midnight.

And his first contact with Leigh came then when he was amazed to find the centre bustling into the early hours.

However, this acquaintance was brief, and because of family illness, he moved nearer home and studied politics and social sciences in Manchester for three years.

This was followed in 1988 with a spell as a staff officer for former chief constable James Anderton - "probably the most developmental part of my policing style".

"I was able to look at matters force wide and could see the frustrations of the most senior officers."

On promotion to Chief Inspector he moved to North Manchester.

"I thought how can I make a difference? There have never been enough police officers and never enough time," he added.

He went to his first police and community council meeting and after being shouted down, shouted back at the audience.

"No-one had done this to them before, and they went away and thought about it. We ended up working together and eradicated 80 per cent of criminal damage at a school in just one summer."

Supt Howells was then appointed to the management development section, the only job he ever applied for, seeing this as an opportunity to influence new managers.

He came to take charge of the Leigh sub division in 1997, putting his many skills into practise.

He is married to Susan, has a son Ben, serving in the Force at Swinton, and a daughter Clare, 22.

Supt Howells is a music lover with a baritone voice, and is a keen sportsman, having managed a lacrosse team and is a tai chi and martial arts enthusiast.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.