A FAST track scheme aimed at tackling the scourge of dumped vehicles is to be piloted in the Leigh area.

Wigan Council has teamed up with Greater Manchester Police in a move that will mean abandoned cars could be moved within 30 minutes from February 1.

The new scheme has been welcomed by Cllr Tom Sherratt, deputy leader and cabinet member for community safety.

He said: "The council and emergency services find themselves having to devote more time and resources to dealing with the increasing number of vehicles being dumped around the borough and the situation cannot continue unchecked.

"Under this arrangement the police can concentrate on tackling crime, the fire service on saving lives and the council on serving the community."

Under present arrangements, local authorities and police forces nationwide share responsibility for removing abandoned vehicles - over 30,000 a year in Greater Manchester alone.

The police take responsibility for those wanted in relation to crime, in a dangerous condition or obstructing the highway, while councils must remove vehicles if left untaxed and unattended.

Administrative procedures can result in long delays especially when councils are required to fix a seven day notice on them.

From February police will assume sole responsibility for their removal in Wigan borough - usually within half an hour of the officer's inspection.

Anyone ringing to report a dumped vehicle will be directed to a police inquiry line.

The number of abandoned vehicle in the county is increasing due to the plummeting value of scrap metal and the impact of new EU rules on the disposal of tyres, oil and batteries.