Please note, this is an archived story. Please check the date above.

Cllr Martin Pagel

Cheetham councillor Martin Pagel, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, has raised concerns over the stability of the sub-division as key officers hang up their handcuffs.

The area has just said farewell to Supt Harry Campbell, in August Supt John Cantrell is due to retire and the departure of Insp Simon Butterworth has thinned the ranks.

Cllr Pagel has written to Greater Manchester Police's chief constable David Wilmot expressing fears over the stability of the police service in the neighbourhood.

He is worried the bobbies on the beat will be left without guidance and leadership in the absence of a clear chain of command and pointed out this was the third change in six years for the sub-division.

Cllr Pagel told the chief constable it was essential the key positions were filled swiftly as the police and other agencies come to terms with their responsibilities under the new Crime and Disorder Act.

The act requires local authorities, education chiefs, probation officers, social workers, health professionals and youth workers to operate with the police to combat juvenile crime.

Cllr Pagel was concerned that there has been too little time to develop relationships with the police and called for replacements who would stay in the area for the longer term.

A GMP spokesman said there would be no disruption in the service and replacements will be found as soon as possible for retiring officers and in some cases replacements would be in post before they leave.