BOLTON MP Brian Iddon is pressing ministers over his fears that major cuts in civilian staff at Bolton police stations could damage the fight against crime.

He was alarmed at BEN reports that dozens of civilian jobs could be axed as part of a plan which will cut the opening hours of the town's police stations.

He raised the issue with Minister of State Alun Michael yesterday in the House of Commons.

And unhappy at the answer, Dr Iddon has sent a copy of an article in Saturday's BEN to Mr Michael, asking for his comments on the effect on efficiency.

The article revealed that workers including traffic wardens, front desk staff, caters and cleaners, plan a crisis union meeting later this week to discuss the cash cutting proposal from Greater Manchester Police Authority.

The proposals which would cut 224 civilian jobs throughout the force area, and save £6.5m, would leave only Bolton's main town centre police station open late at night.

Others including Farnworth, Middle Hulton, Castle Street, Astley Bridge, Westhoughton, Little Lever and Horwich will be closed to residents outside office hours.

With more job cuts possible union leaders are threatening the possibility of strike action.

Bolton South East MP Dr Iddon asked Mr Michael:"Would you be prepared to enter into consultation with the force to make sure that my constituents are not affected by reductions in the work of the police?"

Mr Michael said: "Each report of the Inspectorate has demonstrated that there are still savings to be made which can improve the quality of the service to the workforce."

Dr Iddon said: "I am concerned about the effect that these cuts will have on the operational efficiency of the police in my constituency.

"I have just written to him enclosing a copy of Saturday's BEN article, and I've asked him for his comments and an assurance on the point about efficiency."

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