A NEW police inspector has pledged to continue the battle to reduce crime in Hyndburn and carry on the work of his predecessor.

Inspector Terry Woods, 30, of Bolton, has taken over as head of Accrington Police from Inspector Julian Platt, who has moved elsewhere within the constabulary.

Inspector Woods began his police career 10 years ago as a PC in Burnley before moving to the Accrington motorway unit as a temporary sergeant.

He has worked on the support unit in Blackpool and spent a year as a detective inspector investigating the exploitation of children.

A keen football supporter, Inspector Woods grew up in Darwen and is married.

He said: "Julian Platt did a great job in the time he was here and helped reduce crime significantly.

"I am very pleased to be back in an area to which I have a definite affiliation."

He added: "The community spirit in Accrington is superb and there is a real willingness from the public to get involved.

"It will be important for me to forge links with partner organisations to improve things at neighbourhood level and I am looking forward to that challenge.

"There are exciting times ahead with the regeneration of the town centre and the challenge of furthering the excellent work already undertaken by the police and our partners here in Accrington."

Speaking at a Baxenden Area Council meeting last Thursday, Sergeant Bob Eaton said: "Julian Platt has now moved on.

"We will all remember the work he did to cut crime in Accrington and we all wish him well.

"We hope everyone in the community will make Inspector Woods feel welcome."