POLICE officers will be spending more time out on the beat from today.

A new drop-in base at Moor Lane bus station will be used by officers so they don’t have to return to the headquarters in Scholey Street.

The base is designed to strengthen relationships between the public and the newly formed Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, which has a sergeant, eight police officers and five PCSOs, dedicated to policing the town centre area. Insp Phil Spurgeon, who leads the team, said: “The new base is a big step forward for our new policing team as officers now have the facility to remain right in the centre of the community, where they will be easily accessible and more able to respond quickly to any local issues and problems.

“We are inviting local businesses, residents and shoppers to drop in to the new base today, where officers will be available to discuss any concerns they may have about issues in their area.”

Cllr Norman Critchley, Bolton spokesperson for GMPTA, said: “I am pleased we’ve been able to team up with the police to launch this new drop-in base for officers at our bus station.

“Making public transport as safe as possible is a priority for us and I’m sure the increased police presence at the station will act as a reassurance for passengers.”

A town centre neighbourhood day is also taking place today to clean up the area.

Police officers and council officers will be visiting residents and businesses throughout the day to discuss crime and anti-social behaviour in the areas where they live and work.

Bolton Central Neighbourhood Policing Team can be contacted on 0161 856 5619 or email the bolton.neighbourhood team@gmp.police.uk.