A NEW scheme to get bobbies on their bikes and catch criminals has been slammed by critics who claim the area is too hilly.

Police were told out of shape colleagues may struggle to cope with the steep streets of Rossendale.

But community beat officers in Bacup have said the initiative will be a success. PC Steve Ibbotson, who covers Bacup, and police community support officer Nick Stratton, whose patch covers hilly Waterfoot, have opted for pedal power as well as foot patrols.

They have been supplied with bikes and specially-adapted uniforms - including leggings, lighter body armour, a fluorescent vest and safety helmet - costing £900 each.

But Conservative councillor Jimmy Eaton, who is a postman in Bacup, said: "Rossendale has the wrong terrain for this to work. If the bikes were just being used in the town centre, it might work.

"The Royal Mail attempted to introduce bicycles for postmen and women, which didn't work. I had one and struggled, especially with areas like Bankside.

"If the police officers don't keep themselves reasonably fit then they are going to have serious problems."

But PCSO Stratton said: "I use a bike every day in Rossendale and don't have a problem. As with all officers we keep ourselves fit because it's part of the job.

"The bikes will help us get to areas which we normally wouldn't visit very often.

"While foot patrols increase accessibility and visibility, it does mean it takes more time to get round the beat and to attend some of their more urgent calls. The bikes will enable us to cover more ground on a daily basis."

A police officer who works in Bacup, who asked not to be named, added: "I think this is a daft idea. I didn't want one because most of Rossendale's streets are steep hills.

"I think they will have difficulties with them as I can't imagine an officer on a bike giving chase to somebody going up areas like Bankside."