"Farewell and thank you" to super secretary

Some of the Alliance members and Chief Superintendent John O’Hare presenting Ms Bottomley with a farewell gift

Members of the Asian community and the police have said farewell to Cindy Bottomley who has retired from Rochdale police.

Ms Bottomley organised the Alliance group meetings at Deeplish Community Centre where members discussed initiatives and plans to ensure effective communications and support from the Muslim community, helping police tackle crimes and understand issues.

Last week some of the Alliance members gathered to present Ms Bottomley with a farewell gift, they were joined by Chief Superintendent, John O’Hare and Jan Hargreaves of Rochdale police.

Mushtaq Ahmed, the Chairman of Rochdale Council of Mosques, explained: "We recognise that in Rochdale the Asian community is a significant percentage of many areas and this Alliance works to help our police ensure that we will all have safer and stronger communities.

"Mrs Bottomley has been very involved in making sure the meetings are held regularly and, a part of the reason why it has been so successful is because of the role she has quietly performed as a super secretary.

"The regular community members recognise this as a valued contribution and offer her a very big thank you for all her organisational skills, support, administration talents and her tireless, cheerful goodwill."

Ms Bottomley added: "I was asked what I made of the Alliance gatherings and had to frankly respond that they are one of the meetings that I’ve really enjoyed organising.

"The members have encouraged me to join in with debates and plans - it has been a warmly inclusive experience.

"I’m also going to miss the annual Alliance Football matches between the local Police and young Asian team that SFA put together.

"I’m sure this community partnership will go from strength to strength."

Councillor Sharif, the Cabinet Member for Community Cohesion said: "Cindy not only played a role in ensuring these meetings have been well organised, but has given practical input and her own voluntary time to make sure the objectives were met.

"We’ll all miss her and hope she enjoys her future retirement."