BOLTON'S police chief has welcomed the news that extra officers could be on their way to the town.

Chancellor Gordon Brown pledged that 20,000 new community support officers will be patrolling the streets of the UK by 2008.

The increase of 16,000 CSOs across the country comes on top of a record 138,000 police officers nationwide funded by the Government.

Dubbed "Blunkett's Bouncers", more than 160 CSOs are currently pounding the beat across Greater Manchester, the largest group outside London, including around 14 in Bolton.

The CSOs took to the streets last year and, as the eyes and ears of the police, they are already making an impact on the fight against crime, according to Chief Supt Dave Lea.

Although they do not have powers of arrest and are not fully trained police officers, they can issue fines for minor offences such as litter, dog fouling and can confiscate alcohol.

Dressed in blue anoraks, black trousers and black caps, they are easily recognisable. They carry radios and work alongside community beat officers, providing an important link between residents and the police.

GMP will have to bid for Home Office funding for the new officers.

Chief Supt Lea said: "The CSOs make a positive contribution to deal with police issues.

"This is good news that will help us to build on our success so far in making Bolton a safe place to live, work and visit."

"Although it is too early to say how many we will get, due to our past successes, I am confident Bolton will benefit from this windfall."

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