AN increase in crime reports is the fault of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, according to MP Chris Green.

Bolton West and Atherton MP Mr Green says residents have reported a rise in violent crime and anti-social behaviour in recent weeks.

The Conservative representative believes former Leigh MP Mr Burnham should use his powers as the region's police and crime commissioner to allocate more officers on the streets.

Mr Green said: “It’s concerning to hear my constituents tell me that they are seeing increases of both anti-social behaviour and violent crime in Atherton and I have long-been calling for increased funding for our police, so that they have the resource they need to prevent crime.

“In last year’s budget, the government announced that Greater Manchester Police (GMP) will receive a £34.7million funding increase and now the police and crime commissioner must that Atherton gets its fair share of this funding.

“This is why I have written to Mr Burnham, urging him to allocate greater police resources to Atherton, so that my constituents see a more visible police presence on their streets and so that our police have the resources they need to deter crime and keep us safe.”

Greater Manchester deputy mayor Bev Hughes says the Government has put pressure on the region to find funds and has led to chiefs considering increasing taxes to cover costs.

She said: “While the rise in recorded crime is lower in Greater Manchester than the national average, local policing continues to be stretched, with continued increases in serious and violent crime.

"Instead of supporting and investing in our police, ministers seem to remain blinkered to police pressures - apparently oblivious to the experiences of more and more victims, to the women and men who put themselves on the line day in, day out, and to the need to do more to keep communities safe.

“Once again the Government has shunted the financial burden of policing onto local taxpayers, leaving us very little choice but to consider asking Greater Manchester residents to contribute more to bolster police numbers and tackle the complex crimes that cause the most harm to our communities."

Former Bolton West MP Julie Hilling believes cuts to GMP, which has lost £154m from its budget, 1,757 police officers and 197 PCSOs has led to a surge in crime.

She said: “Violent crime is increasing across Greater Manchester and those involved are more likely to be carrying weapons. This is a deadly combination.

“This Government is still in denial about how its own policies are devastating communities and people’s lives.

“The Tories have cut funding for police officers. And they’ve also exacerbated all the causes of crime – including inequality and poverty.

“Combined with poor mental health care, the crisis in our schools, especially school exclusions, and cuts to youth services, it is a recipe for disaster."

The Government has defended the support it gives to GMP.

A Home Office spokesman said: “Last year we announced a significant settlement which provides the most substantial police funding increase since 2010, and will result in up to £970 million in additional resources for policing in 2019-20, including funding raised through council tax.

“Greater Manchester Police funding will increase by around £34.7m in 2019/20 if the Mayor uses their full council tax flexibility.

“Through our Serious Violence Strategy we are tackling knife crime and county lines gangs by putting greater emphasis on early intervention, alongside a tough law enforcement response. Meanwhile our Offensive Weapons Bill will give the police extra powers to tackle knife crime.”