Lib Dems Request More Consistent Policing in East Manchester

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 12th Jul 2007

Four Police Inspectors in Fourteen Months in Levenshulme and Gorton is Bad News, say Lib Dems

Manchester Liberal Democrats have requested more consistent local policing after it was revealed that one area has seen four area Police Inspectors in just fourteen months. Gorton South, Gorton North and Levenshulme wards have just had their fourth Inspector appointed since May 2006.

Insp Mark Kenny left in May 2006 to be replaced by Inspector Alec McMurchy. He lasted until January 2007, when he was replaced by Insp Jane Taylor. This month, Insp Clark Bowers has taken over from her.

Gorton South Councillor and Lib Dem Leader Cllr Simon Ashley said:

"I wish Insp Bowers well, but I hope this is a long-term appointment. With the best will in the world, it takes time for local inspectors to get to know the area and its problems."

Cllr Ashley added:

"With four inspectors in fourteen months, GMP need to recognise that they cannot carry on changing the local Inspector so often without it impacting on the work they do. The whole point of the new Area Policing Teams (APTs) was that they would get to know local people and provide better policing as a result, but at the moment that isn't the reality."

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