Policing in Bolton could be set to be reshaped as communities in Bolton are asked to identify their top three priorities.

The plan is being led by Cllr Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council cabinet member for stronger communities, whose role includes policing and public safety.

She hopes asking her fellow councillors across all of the borough’s 20 wards to outline their three biggest crime concerns will help shape a more 'flexible and responsive policing'.

Cllr Jiva said: “It’s really important as cabinet member for stronger communities and policing to ensure that public safety is at the top of the agenda.

“It’s also really important that all residents in Bolton feel safe and protected with high levels of policing services.”

The Bolton News: PACT meetings have allowed people to come forward with their concerns directlyPACT meetings have allowed people to come forward with their concerns directly (Image: Newsquest)

She added: “We are looking to work in partnership with and collectively with all ward councillors and with residents to ensure that we shape policy to reflect the local needs of each area.”

The concerns raised so far have ranged across familiar subjects matters including speeding, illegal drugs, thefts and various kinds of anti-social behaviour.

Once each councillor has decided on their top three areas they have been encouraged to then send these on to Cllr Jiva who will then work with the leading police officers to craft their response.

She says hopes that this will demonstrate a more proactive approach to tackling crime and anti-social behaviour rather than just reacting as issues arise.

Once she has a full range of responses, Cllr Jiva says she will then follow up with more details about how this will shape the borough’s policing and public safety policies soon.

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Cllr Jiva also says that she hopes to attend various Partners and Communities Together meetings, which give members of the public to speak to police officers and council officials about crime and other concerns in their community, in the coming months.

Previous meetings like these have raised all kinds of issues ranging from drugs and speeding to fly tipping and environmental breaches.

She has also appealed directly to members of the public to get in touch with any suggestions or issues they may have around policing and public safety.

They can do so by emailing Rabiya.Jiva@bolton.gov.uk.