A FAR reaching blueprint to wipe out crime in Leigh and Wigan town centre hotspots has been unveiled.

The borough's new Community Safety Strategy will tackle street violence, criminal damage, vehicle theft, and clean up the streets of beggars, junkies and street boozers.

And in a bid to combat juvenile nuisance promises to promote more activities for young people, including arts and music festivals, creche facilities and youth activity drop-ins.

It also pledges to help hard drug users beat their habit and educate youngsters on the dangers of abuse.

The programme has been drawn up by the Wigan and Leigh Community Safety Partnership, made up of 26 local organisations, following a detailed survey of local residents.

It was unveiled by Wigan Council's deputy leader Cllr Tom Sherratt and Ch Supt Julia Hodson, commander of Wigan police division.

The project sets out plans for tackling high crime spots over the next three years and includes realistic targets.

They include:

Co-ordinated action by all agencies in hotspots of high crime

New efforts to combat juvenile nuisance by increasing mutual understanding and providing more entertainment for young people

Provide comprehensive support for victims of domestic violence, coupled with an education programme to teach children rights and wrongs.

Tough action against race hate crime

A range of schemes to help hard drug users kick their habit and education on the dangers of drug abuse

Measures to cut drink-related violence and make town centre parking and shopping safer

Across the board efforts to reduce the fear of crime, and build confidence in services provided by all agencies.

Cllr Sherratt said: " We are deadly serious about raising every resident's quality of life by reducing crime. Wigan borough's community safety and risk management track record is a strong one, and we are determined to build on that achievement.

"This strategy represents the combined efforts of many individuals and organisations within the borough, and shows how all the agencies in the borough are now working together in partnership.

"Crime and the fear of crime are the biggest issue for many people and I hope this document will send out a very clear message to our residents that we mean action."

Ch Supt Hodson said: "We are very grateful for the large and interested response from local people to our crime audit.

"The response was both direct and sensitive - while people may want a more visible police presence they also think that we must commit ourselves to a long term approach, tackling the causes of crime by improving facilities and services and by learning about the best methods that work. That's what this strategy is all about."

For further information, or to receive a copy of the strategy document telephone the community safety team on 01942 705266.

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