POLICE have "lost control" over crime in Ramsbottom, claim local traders.

Now the traders are calling for the return of the community bobby to police the streets, claiming a new Township police initiative, which has seen the area have its own inspector, sergeant and three assigned PCs, has failed to deliver.

The final straw appears to be the return of unruly youths in the town centre gardens, increased late night drunken behaviour and vandalism over the Easter holiday weekend.

Five months ago concerned police officers told how the introduction of the four Township schemes in the borough, together with the subsequent centralisation of section officers to the Bury HQ, would leave the popular tourism town at the mercy of criminals.

"That fear has come true," claimed Market Place newsagent Mr Brian Gregory. "We welcomed the introduction of the inspector, a sergeant and three officers to patrol the area and deal with the problems.

"However, it is very rare to see a uniformed police officer patrolling the local streets. As a result incidents of crime are rising. The police have lost control."

Backing the ineffective policing claim, a fellow town centre businessman, who refused to be named for fear of future vandalism attacks, said a return to the old "area constable" days was needed immediately.

"Trouble makers are returning, making our lives a misery, and the police are nowhere to be seen," he commented.

The police have stressed the Townships will continue and, while sympathising with Ramsbottom traders' problems, said they were suffering problems no different than anywhere else in the division.

Chief Insp David Morris said: "If the traders have identified problems in the town centre then they should liaise with the Township officers at Ramsbottom. It is their responsibility to deal with any local issues concerning crime."

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