A COMMUNITY activist at the forefront of tackling gun and gang crime in Moss Side and a health and community safety leader from Oldham are set to take on new roles to help cut crime across Greater Manchester.

Angela Lawrence MBE, founder of Manchester Active Voices, and Majid Hussain, chair of the Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group, have been confirmed as the new independent members of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel.

They will work alongside the other members of the 12-strong panel, made up of ten councillors from each of Greater Manchester’s district councils, for the next three years.

Mr Hussain said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as an independent member of the panel and can’t wait to start.

"Whilst this is a very challenging role, it brings with it a great opportunity to bring about a positive impact on community safety and wellbeing.”

Mrs Lawrence added: “I’m really pleased to become a member of the Police and Crime Panel. I am looking forward to working with the other members of the panel to make a real difference to the communities of Greater Manchester.”

The panel supports, scrutinises, challenges and holds to account the Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, Beverley Hughes.

Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, Cllr Tamoor Tariq from Bury Council, said: “The Police and Crime Panel plays a valuable role in challenging decisions and shaping policies that impact on community safety.

"Angela and Majid bring a wealth of experience and passion to the roles and I’m pleased they are joining us on our journey to building a safer, stronger Greater Manchester."

The new independent members will take over from Maqsood Ahmad and Diane Curry OBE, who are stepping down as independent members on the panel following the completion of their terms.

Cllr Tariq added: “As we welcome two new members to the panel, I also want to say a huge thank you to Diane and Maqsood for their fantastic support and contribution over the years, helping to build those vital links with the communities we represent.”

The new panel members will give direction and shape future strategies on police and crime issues that affect Greater Manchester.

This includes scrutinising the Deputy Mayor’s proposals for the police budget and Police and Crime Plan, and ensuring that the actions and decisions made by the Deputy Mayor reflect the reality of public priorities.

Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester Bev Hughes said: “Being part of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Panel is great opportunity to help make a difference to the communities of Greater Manchester.

"Both Angela and Majid have a strong background in working for the good of local people and bringing about real and positive change.

"I’m looking forward to working with them to help make our city-region a safer place to live."