A SHADOW policing minister has spoken with supporters of a foundation set up in memory of a tragic Bury boxer.

Sarah Jones, Labour MP for Croydon Central, was hosted by the King Cole Legacy Foundation on a trip to the borough.

And as well as a planned walkabout with senior police officers, the MP had pencilled in talks with the foundation, which was set up in the wake of the 18-year-old’s shooting death in August last year.

Ms Jones will discuss youth violence at a public meeting chaired by former Bury North MP James Frith.

Mr Frith told the Bury Times before the visit: “At a time of real anxiety on the issue of safety on our streets, I am grateful for my friend and former colleague, Sarah Jones MP, visiting Bury to discuss these concerns in more detail.

“Anti-social behaviour, and especially the safety of girls and women, are everyday worries and so I welcome the safety and security priorities the Labour Party has announced.

“Life and living in Bury is getting harder under the Tories and this needs to change or be changed.”

Speaking before the visit Ms Jones also said: “Anti-social behaviour is blighting communities up and down the county.

“In Tory Britain, too many crimes considered ‘low-level’ are not being tackled quickly enough and too many people, especially women and girls, feel afraid in their own homes or on the street.

“I’m delighted to visit Bury and hear from local people about their experiences of anti-social behaviour, what matters to them, and what they need to feel safe and heard.”

The meeting was due to take place last night in the town centre, as the Bury Times was going to press.