MANCHESTER’S Police and Crime Commissioner met with members of Sale Moor Homewatch to discuss police cuts and the importance of the community in fighting crime.


Tony Lloyd scheduled the meeting after Graham Roe, Nurseries Estate Homewatch area co-ordinator, contacted him regarding recent cuts to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and how they will impact upon the number of police on the beat.


Mr Lloyd discussed the cuts and, but was also asked whether his own position was financially necessary.


Mr Lloyd said while police commissioners cost less than the previous police authority, he voted against their creation when he was an MP.


“I think there are real problems with the commissioner model, but it’s there,” said Mr Lloyd.


“And what I did decide was that once we’ve got one, we’ve got to have somebody who’s going to do it in the interests of people in Greater Manchester and in Trafford.”


The commissioner said while police numbers have to be cut, the number of PCSOs will remain the same, which is important as policing ‘begins and ends with the community.


He also stressed the importance of a multi agency approach and highlighted the role of Homewatch.


Speaking after the meeting, which took place at Coasters, on Northenden Road, Mr Roe praised the work of police in Sale, but said the community could do more to help itself.


“Our overall message is working together for the benefit of your community.
“That cooperation and that willingness to protect each other’s properties and our environments is so simple.”


• The next Sale Moor Homewatch meeting will take place on March 4, at 8pm, at the Methodist Church on Northenden Road.