Lib Dems push for new police vehicles for rural areas

The lack of police vehicles for rural officers must be addressed, say Oldham Liberal Democrats, after reports that officers were struggling to get vehicles that would allow them to work effectively in remote areas.

Sam Al-Hamdani, leader of the Liberal Democrats on Oldham Council, wrote to Deputy Mayor Kate Green to explore options for getting current vehicles to a serviceable condition, or get alternatives in place. 

Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “At the moment, the police have been left reliant on voluntary support to get some of their vehicles made roadworthy. That’s no way to ensure that they can be able to visit some of the villages on the outskirts of Saddleworth.

“There have previously been approaches where sponsored vehicles have been made available to the police, and I’ve asked the Deputy Mayor to look again at these.”

A new sergeant has been in place at Saddleworth for the last few months, and this has seen improved engagement with local residents, with more information coming out through the Bee in the Loop service. 

Councillor Al-Hamdani continued: “I have been very impressed with the way the team is working locally, and I highly recommend that people who are concerned about crime to sign up to Bee in the Loop – it gives a very clear picture of the amount of work the police are doing locally. 

“We simply want to make sure that they have the resources and the equipment to be able to do their job simply and easily.”

Residents can sign up for new notification at https://www.beeintheloop.co.uk