MORE police officers are needed to put an end to vandalism at Holcombe Brook Shopping Precinct claims Coun John Walsh, Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Bury North.

His call follows a survey undertaken by himself at the precinct in Longsight Road.

But police say that a lot of time and work has gone into trying to resolve the problems faced by local people and businesses in the area, and the work is continuing.

Coun Walsh said: "The problem of vandalism is getting worse and action is needed to end the misery for traders and shoppers. Most traders have had to install shutters to protect their shops. Others now plan to do so."

He added: "Young people I met complained that they had no suitable facilities in the area and that the shops had become the only meeting place. He has taken up the concerns of with the police and Bury Council.

"The message from shoppers and traders is clear. Cuts in the number of police must be reversed and police must be allowed to get on with the job of policing and not be desk-bound dealing with paperwork."

Superintendent Steve Westcott of Bury Police said: "Ramsbottom police officers are in regular contact with the young people are working in partnership with youth workers, other agencies and the precinct owner to improve the situation."

He said that progress has been made in finding a solution to the problem which includes the installation of closed circuit television cameras and bringing the youth bus in to the area to give teenagers advice on the various activities on offer.

"The precinct is a traditional meeting place for Holcombe youngsters, the vast majority of whom are well behaved. However, there are occasional unacceptable incidents and when evidence exists we will take firm action against the offenders."

Superintendent Westcott added: "On the question of cuts in the number of police, I happy to say this is not the case and this year the Bury Division will get extra officers and more next year.

"But I do endorse Mr Walsh's call for a cut in bureaucracy and would welcome any measure which reduced paperwork and gave a quicker turnaround of officers back on to the street."