A NEW policing structure has come into force as part of a major shake up to save money.

But officers in Bolton are insisting it will be “business as usual” as the four areas change to three.

Advances in technology will be used to help the teams run more effectively — including a new IT system — and video conferencing being used for parading on and briefings.

The move sees the four policing areas — Bolton central, east, west and south — change to Bolton north, south and central.

The north team is being lead by Insp Wayne Readfern, who was in charge at Bolton East, while Insp Chris Evans, who was at Bolton West, will move to the police station in Farnworth and lead Bolton South.

Insp Andy Sidebotham will continue to lead the central team.

Officers from Bolton CID are splitting and moving offices.

Det Insp Gary Smith will remain at Scholey Street, while Det Insp Chris Walker will go to Astley Bridge and Det Insp Denise Pye will be based at Farnworth.

Supt Phil Davies said: “We are very strongly maintaining the local focus. While we have three larger teams we will be using video conferencing for parading on and briefings to ensure the whole borough is covered effectively. The main message to get across is that it is business as usual for us.”

Twelve police posts have been lost but it has not meant any officers have gone in Bolton because of existing vacancies.

There are new contact numbers and email addresses for the teams.

The Facebook and Twitter pages, which police use to warn about crime, will remain the same.

Changes are happening across Greater Manchester as the force has to save £134 million over four years.