TRAFFORD and Salford are to share a chief superintendent as part of the latest round of police cuts.


Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is to almost halve its number of chief superintendents – who provide a link between the police and councils – in a long term measure to save money.


Chief Supt Mary Doyle, who is currently in charge of Salford, will take overall control of both boroughs and Trafford’s current top officer, Mark Roberts, will be moved.


No chief supts will lose their jobs, but will instead work on GMP’s ‘change project’, which will look at ways the force can further save money.


GMP will make long term savings as these officers will not be replaced.


Chief Supt Roberts told Messenger that nothing will change at an operational level – neighbourhood inspectors will remain in place, as will officers on the ground.


Chf Supt Roberts, who grew up in Stretford, said although he is sad to leave Trafford, he can do so on a high as the borough is now the safest place to live in Greater Manchester and crime is down by a third.


“Confidence in police is higher than anywhere else and confidence isn’t about spin, it’s not about us saying we’re doing a great job, people are seeing it with their own eyes,” said chief supt Roberts.