Chief and GMPA to meet Greater Manchester residents

Residents of Greater Manchester will have their chance to give their views on how its police force should make reductions in its spending in a series of town hall meetings.

The force is facing a funding gap of £134 million and so difficult choices lie ahead.

The first meeting takes place at Stockport Town Hall on Wednesday 15 June 2011 between 6pm to 8pm.

Chief Constable Peter Fahy said: "This is going to be a very difficult year and it is crucial we involve the public in our decisions.

"We want to show how we spend our money at the moment and how the way we serve the public will have to change given the enormous size of the funding gap."

Cllr Paul Murphy, chairman of Greater Manchester Police Authority, said: "We recognise that the public are rightly concerned about how budget cuts will affect their police service.

"Tough decisions have and will be made but we need to make sure we continue to listen to the public of Greater Manchester and involve them in the challenges we face - this is what these events are about."