Bolton Conservatives secured a second win in one Council meeting as parties from across the political spectrum voted in support of Conservative calls for Greater Manchester Police to reinstate local PACT meetings.
These meetings involved GMP and several partner agencies, such as Bolton at Home and Bolton Council. They gave residents the opportunity to speak to the Police and other organisations directly about their concerns. It also provided a link to GMP for crime prevention tips.
Following changes made at a senior level in GMP, PACTs were amalgamated into larger geographic areas. This often-meant residents would have to travel from one end of the borough to another, during peak times, to attend. For many, this was unworkable.
Bolton Conservatives believe that GMP and residents would be better served with the reinstatement of local ward PACT meetings. Building on the Conservative legacy of 20,000 more police officers and an increase in Neighbourhood Officers, it shows the commitment the Conservative Party has to reducing crime.
With the successful passing of the motion, a letter will now be sent to the Chief Superintendent of GMP Bolton, the Chief Constable of GMP, and the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester (who are responsible for policing,) to request that PACT meetings revert to local ward-based meetings.
Commenting, Shadow Executive Member for Stronger Communities, Cllr Amy Cowen, said:
I know that since we’ve been having PACT meetings in a wider area, people aren’t attending. For many residents, it can mean two bus rides. And for the elderly, they appreciated the opportunity to raise their concerns and seek reassurance.
I am so pleased that Council has backed Conservative calls for the reinstatement of local ward PACT meetings. I look forward to working with GMP to make this happen.
Seconding the motion, Deputy Leader of the Conservatives, Cllr Hilary Fairclough, said:
This isn’t a question of blaming the Police – it is a request because we have seen the new model isn’t working. And that is clear because Council passed our motion to write to GMP and request a change to local ward PACTs again.
Most people want to come and discuss the issues in their area. Understandably, they’re not bothered about what is going on in a single street on the other side of Bolton. But I am really pleased we have the support of Council to request this change.
