A NEW inspector - with 22 years of crime-fighting experience - has taken over policing the north of the borough.

Insp Jason Eddison takes the reins from Lorraine Crossman, who had been acting as temporary inspector for the Bury North area.

Insp Eddison, aged 43, is originally from Salford where he started his career, and is now the permanent replacement for Inspector Bryn Williams.

He said: “Hopefully I am here for the duration now, and it will give a bit of stability, and allow the public to know who they are dealing with.”

Insp Eddison said his top priority will be supporting vulnerable people.

He explained: “I want to help those who are vulnerable through age or through circumstance.

“Some older people are poorly dealt with by the community, for instance somebody in their 80s or 90s could be terrorised in their own home, and be the victim of high jinks, or knock-a-door-run.

“My role is to understand the vulnerability, and to make sure that resourcing is available to support them.”

Insp Eddison’s arrival follows concerns about policing levels in Ramsbottom, which were raised by councillors at a township forum in January. However he believes the town has never been served better, in terms of accessibility to officers.

He said: “Ramsbottom is perhaps as well served as it has been for a long time in terms of the number of officers dedicated to the town.”

Ramsbottom has one neighbourhood constable, one community support officer and two neighbourhood officers.

Tottington has one neighbourhood constable, two community support officers and one neighbourhood officer while North Manor has one constable, and a community support officer.

Insp Eddison worked in Bury 18 years ago, and says it is a “privilege” to serve in the area.

He said: “It is a wonderful place with a real tight-knit community, and you can’t say that about the whole country. Ramsbottom is a special place with a great high street, and the role of the police is to enhance that, and allow it to grow.”