IT was standing room only at a Preston community centre after more than 100 business people turned up to support a new crime busting scheme.

The new Business Watch initiative, launched at Plungington Community Centre, Brook Street, has been devised by Preston police's community safety team.

The project, the first of its kind in the county, already has cash from Lancashire Partnership Against Crime to fund new Business Watch signs for the area. There are also plans to apply for CCTV funding.

Officers also aim to offer advice on crime prevention and security while business owners and managers have swapped telephone numbers to alert each other about people acting suspiciously.

At the meeting on Tuesday, more than 60 business leaders said children hanging around the streets was a main concern in the area.

Ingeborg Mather, manager of the Catholic Caring Service charity shop, next to the Spar in Plungington Road, said last year the shop's front window was smashed three times, costing £15,000 to replace. Glass panels in the main door were also damaged.

"It is a real problem outside my shop because there is a paved area with a tree where children can hang around," said Mrs Mather. "They treat my shop as a playground and something has to be done."

Findley Colquhoun, of Fraser Colquhoun Independent Financial Advisors, Plungington Road, is pleased with the new initiative.

"I was pleased so many people turned up and I think it's a great idea to encourage more community spirit," he said.

"There used to be a traders' association around here so hopefully we'll be able to start something similar up again and get everyone involved.

"But it will take a lot of effort on everyone's behalf and I just hope the support continues."

The group will meet every other month and the next meeting is expected to take place in March.