A SERIES of community meetings in Prestwich have been revived — and are now going virtual.

Councillors and residents complained that crime-fighting meetings were not well attended and asked Prestwich Police to promote them more.

Bosses responded by relaunching the Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings last month.

Now, officers have hailed the success of the PACT scheme and are set to hold the area's first "online" meeting next Wednesday.

PC Andy Ferguson, of Prestwich Police, thanked people for attending the last meeting held at Prestwich Library on September 21.

He said: "The meeting was well attended by both residents and councillors and we were able to set some PACT priorities for all three wards in Prestwich.

“These priorities will now form part of our local neighbourhood policing team's focus for the next four weeks, after which the priorities will be reviewed and updated.”

In St Mary’s ward, people complained about off-road motorcyclists speeding in Hilton Lane, the Rainsough area and in Drinkwater Park; speeding lorries in Hilton Lane; and anti-social behaviour in St Mary's Park.

In Holyrood, people expressed concern about young people dealing and using drugs at the back of a row of shops in Heywood Road.

They also raised the issue of people parking on double-yellow lines and on emergency-access lines outside schools and of the uncertain future of a bail hostel in Bury Old Road, as some people are concerned the building might be vandalised if it closed.

In the Sedgley ward, people complained about drug dealing at the junction of Middleton Road and Meade Hill Road; thieves breaking into sheds in Bent Lane; and youths causing annoyance in Watkins Drive.

PC Ferguson said: "As a result of these priorities, two addresses on the Rainsough housing estate have already been visited and warnings issued regarding the use and association with off road motorcycles.

"Patrols have been stepped up during the daytime and evening time within St Mary's Park to deal with the anti-social behaviour reported during the meeting.

"Patrols have been engaged with visits to the rear of Heywood Road shops and we have been able to identify a male who is believed to be part of the group of youths causing the problems there."

PC Ferguson added that the boy's mother had been spoken to.

During next week's internet 'meeting', people will be able to contact the police through the day by visiting the GMP Bury South Facebook page and by tweeting @GMPPrestwich.

Officers will respond to each message.