DELIGHTED VILLAGERS have welcomed a police reshuffle which means more ‘bobbies on the beat’ across Saddleworth.
Newly-appointed GMP Inspector Bash Anwar is now heading up a unit at the Police Station on Uppermil High Street, including a sergeant, three police constables and nine PCSOs.
The move is part of a new borough-wide GMP focus on neighbourhood policing, which came into force at the beginning of May.

Insp Anwar said: “This job is like a dream come true. I’m looking forward to working with the communities in Saddleworth and Lees.
“I have been out on patrol and met some of the locals who seem to have kindly accepted me already!”
Inspector Anwar, an officer with GMP for 14 years, has previously served mainly with frontline policing in Rochdale, Ashton and Force Headquarters.
He added: “I will listen closely to those issues which affect our communities and really want to make a difference to people’s lives, making Saddleworth an even better place to live.
“I absolutely love the stunning beauty of the area and have always hoped to work here one day.”

Sergeant Neil Barker, also brought in for the new-look Saddleworth team, added: “The response in the community has been good with people telling us they have noticed a difference already.
“They have seen us out and about on the streets, and it’s really important we build on that presence.”
Welcoming the changes, Cllr Neil Allsopp, chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, said: “It’s e excellent news we have this new team dedicated to Saddleworth.
“We’ve been calling for a stronger police presence for quite some time. I hope this is a trend which will continue.”
OMBC Cllr John McCann who lives in Dobcross, added: “I’m delighted that we have not seen further reductions but amazingly an increase in resources.
“A major point is that people feel safer and re-assured when they see police on the streets and criminals are deterred. This is welcome good news.”
As part of the new system, police shifts have been geographically aligned to areas, making them more efficient, and operations reduced to four shifts increase numbers.

Supt Denise Worth, based at Oldham’s police HQ, explained: “Oldham will be one big neighbourhood policing team working together to deal with demand.
“The contract will establish more Homewatch and Business Watch to reduce crime.
“It will also respond to harm and risks evident in communities so we can safeguard people, help to reassure them and make the place they live safer for everyone.”
She also vowed they will continue to work towards the objectives of the Police and Crime Plan and support Oldham’s Policing Strategy and Vision.
Love Lydgate are hosting an event on Wednesday, May 25 at 7.30pm the White Hart, supported by GMP and OMBC, when the public can meet community officers PC Lee Cullen, Crime Prevention Adviser Mike Fleming and a member of the PCSO Team.
Then on Wednesday, June 1 at 7.45pm at Uppermill Conservative Club Homewatch are hosting an open meeting addressed by Sgt Barker.
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