LEIGH has less of a crime problem than virtually the rest of Greater Manchester.

Answering claims in a Green Party Hope Carr election leaflet, Supt Malcolm Howells said that while all crime was serious, Leigh - of all the sub-divisions in GMP - had less of a problem with serious crime.

"It also has probably the best partnership to crime working with the local authority, local businesses and the local community than anywhere else that I have worked.

"I don't want to get into a debate. Everyone is entitled to their view. But crime in Leigh is not as serious and is being managed as well as anywhere in the country with the partnership I have spoken of."

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