LANCASHIRE Police Authority member Cllr Gary Bell is to step down next month four years after being appointed.

Mr Bell, who is also departing his role as councillor of the Talbot ward of Blackpool, joined Lancashire Police Authority as a councillor member in June 2007.

Before entering politics he had served some 30 years in the Army, enlisting in the Royal Army Medical Corps where he became a Combat Medical Technician. He later attained the rank of Warrant Officer Class One and held the appointment of Corps Regimental Sergeant Major, the most senior appointment for a soldier in the Royal Army Medical Corps, before he was Commissioned, reaching the rank of Major by the time retired in September 2006.

Since joining Lancashire Police Authority, Cllr Bell has taken a special interest in learning and development and has attended various local and national meetings on behalf of the Authority. He is also a keen advocate of citizen focus and is extremely proud of the achievements made by the Authority in engaging with the diverse communities of Lancashire.

He said: “When I first stepped into the role I knew little of the intricate workings of a Police Authority but four years later I can appreciate just how important and powerful they are in developing stronger and more successful police forces.

“Lancashire Police Authority has achieved awards for its innovations and is leading the country in many areas of its work. The Authority is responsible for developing a robust system of scrutiny which continues to improve performance and is never afraid to take on a challenge to achieve greater results.

“We have been delivering exceptional results for some time now and it is testament to the quality of our police officers and staff, as well as our own determination, to be the best at what we do.

“I am particularly proud of the achievements the Police Authority has made in terms of encouraging greater community inclusion. During recent years, the Authority has been relentless in its efforts to provide local people with the chance to have their say and shape local policing services. By listening to our residents, we have been able to continually improve their experience of policing services and ultimately raise satisfaction rates.”

Cllr Bell added: “I have always admired the effective relationship between the Authority and the Constabulary. Both organisations are united in their passion to provide the highest quality policing possible and as such the Constabulary always fully accepts constructive criticism from its partner in order to make improvements.

“Looking at our own successful partnership, it is hard to understand why Police Authorities are soon to be abolished in favour of directly-elected Police and Crime Commissioners. The current system is delivering impressive results in Lancashire and is supported by the public, who ultimately want to see lower crime rates. Perhaps rather than abandon the idea, those Authorities which have so far not seen such good results should be supported to become more effective instead of making one rule suit everybody?

“As policing moves into a new era, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues for their support over the past four years. I have very much enjoyed my time serving on the Authority and wish the Constabulary every future success.”

Chair of Lancashire Police Authority, Cllr Malcolm Doherty MBE said: “We are extremely grateful to Gary for all his work over the last four years, during which time he helped to establish the new Protective Services Committee and chaired of the Professional Standards and Citizen Focus Committee.  He will be missed.”