LEIGH'S 'Shopwatch' scheme and radio link between traders has proved a huge success, cutting crime in the town centre and boosting morale.

The good news came as traders met for the first time after the Christmas holidays to assess the success of the scheme.

They found that the message to criminals to stay out of Leigh is getting through, with dire consequences for those who don't get the message.

Sue Canning, Shopwatch Co-ordinator, said: "The scheme is brilliant and in general everyone is very pleased with it. Traders in Bradshawgate, King Street, and Railway Road are all linked by radio and all the security people know each other and the co-operation between us all is wonderful and very effective and our morale is very high.

"For instance, one man was spotted with a lot of foreign currency travelling from travel shop to travel shop and he was quickly sussed out as suspicious and police were called and he was arrested. They found he had stolen currency on him.

"And in another instance a man trying to pass off fraudulent £20 notes in the Spinning Gate Centre was caught on the market, while a radio call from the bus station asking for assistance to deal with druggies brought a big response with security men rushing to help."

There are now 32 shops and other traders on the radio link and Sue added: "It's great! Our town is now much safer and everyone is very friendly with each other. The morale is wonderful and I hope anyone thinking Leigh is an easy option will get the message and stay away. If they don't they will be caught!"

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