Jim Atherton is to leave Formby as part of the re-structuring of the Force

Well respected Police Inspector, Jim Atherton is to leave Formby as part of the re-structuring of the Force

Merseyside Police force are undergoing a major restructure due to fewer resources and changes in crime. The new operating model goes live at the end of January next year and Inspector Jim Atherton is being moved on 7th November 2016 to the new force functional coordination unit.

The finer details are yet to be released but they hope to minimise movement of officers as much as possible. A new corporate communication strategy will allow officers the best use of technology so they can work remotely.

The restructure will mean that Merseyside will be going down to ten Community Policing teams across the force with two in Sefton. They will be known as North and South Sefton.

PCSO's still do not know which teams they have been placed in but, Formby Bubble have been reassured that Local Policing Team members will be remaining in the North Sefton team to include; Sergeant Ian Allum, Constable Karl Turner and Constable Mike Burke.

Formby Bubble has also been told that Inspector Graham Fisher who is the current Southport Inspector, will be in charge of the North Community policing team in January. The decision has been made for him to take over Formby in addition to Southport when Inspector Jim Atherton leaves.

The restructure will also effect the Police Have Your Say' meetings which are very popular in Formby. Due to the digital age the meetings will be moving to a more electronic process through the website early next year.

Inspector Jim Atherton has been with Formby for a long time and we will be sorry to see him leave.