BURY'S reputation as a safe place to shop will be reinforced with the installation of 32 new "spy" cameras.

The closed circuit television (CCTV) equipment will be fitted in car parks and public spaces by Christmas in the final phase of a programme fight crime in the town centre.

In Bury, the surveillance equipment embraces three different systems involving Bury Council, Mill Gate landlords MEPC and Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE).

MEPC have already fitted 20 cameras in the popular Mill Gate centre while GMPTA has installed 23 in and around Bury Interchange.

Now, in the last stage of the initiative, Bury Council will replace seven existing cameras as well as providing an extra 25 in the town centre.

Traders have welcomed the installation of the CCTV cameras which, coupled with a successful inter-shop radio control link scheme, are seen as prime crime prevention and detection initiatives.

Welcoming the final phase of the scheme, Bury Chamber of Trade president Mr Fred Bowen said: "This sends out the message that Bury is a safe place for people to do their Christmas shopping."

Town centre shops are already gearing up towards Christmas trading.

The newly-opened Bhs store will be open on Sundays in the run-up to Christmas, beginning on November 9. And Marks and Spencer will also open on Sundays, starting from November 23.

Late night Thursday openings will again be a seasonal feature with shops extending their opening hours from November 27.

Mr Bowen said: "We are moving in the right direction as far as Sundays are concerned, with a definite six Sunday openings compared to four in previous years."

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