CHANGES In the way the borough is policed come into force next week.

Since radical shake-ups in the division's policing strategy last year, police chiefs have created a Bury-based township.

Until now the town's community policing has been taken on by officers based in Whitefield, Ramsbottom and Radcliffe.

From next week the new township, based at Irwell Street Headquarters will have its own team of four police constables headed by an inspector and sergeant.

The move is in response to widespread consultation and public concern over the lack of a Bury-based community policing office.

Bosses say the unit will be responsible for co-ordinating policing operations suited to the needs of Bury people, leaving other townships to develop a strategy geared towards their own area.

Inspector Nigel Bonson explained: "People in Bury were until now having to approach police stations which were out of their area.

"The other townships will cover their natural ward boundaries, and no longer have a lead into Bury."

Townships first came into force early last year to strengthen links between communities and officers. "It is as a result of the success of the other townships that we have decided to create a Bury-based office," said the inspector.

All townships will have the support of back-up units when necessary.

The Bury team will be led by Inspector Jane Antrobus, who can be contacted on 856 8154 and Sergeant John Leach on 856 8154. The constables: Steve Orr, Julian Peech, Simon Walton, Derek Walker, John Baron can be contacted on 856 2728.

Ramsbottom Township's team - led by Insp Pinder and Sgt Steve Chapman - can be contacted on 856 8181.

Whitefield Township will be led by Insp David Jones, and Sgt John Shaw. Numbers to contact will be 856 8201 and 856 8202.

Prestwich Township will under Insp David Jones and Sgt Steve Bell who can be contacted on 856 8283 and 856 8281.

The Radcliffe team of five will be led by Insp Nigel Bonson. The number to contact is 856 8295.

Above numbers are for non-emergencies.

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