LEIGH residents will soon be able to discuss crime issues with police under a new system of public meetings.

Police and Community Consultative Groups (PCCG) will be replaced by Public Voice on Policing meetings (PVPM) in a change designed to attract more people.

More than 200 PCCG meetings were held last year and under the new system meetings will held four times a year.

Each police sub-division will stage meetings at venues across their community where residents can discuss issues with officers face to face.

Police chiefs hope the new system will give them -- and community consultative workers -- more time to prepare feedback.

Greater Manchester Police Authority chairman Councillor Steven Murphy said: "We have consulted extensively on the new meetings and incorporated ideas from a variety of agencies on questions and a new style of agenda to inform members of the public."

For details of meetings planned for Leigh contact Uzma Alam on 0161 793 3133.