CLOSED circuit TV cameras could be watching over the comings and goings of Golborne town centre before Christmas.

Businesses in the town have backed a scheme which would put them in the picture in their attempt to stamp out crime.

Local firms have been urged to put a modest donation into the costs of the scheme which has the backing of the council, the Town Centre Management offices, Coalfield Challenge and Wigan Borough Partnership.

A Town Centres spokesman said: "The benefits offered to local firms making a contribution to the CCTV scheme in Golborne include a free first year's membership of Golborne Business Partnership, free participation in promotional activities, inclusion in a colour leaflet encouraging people to shop in Golborne and free inclusion of their business name on a publication of a Golborne trail.

"We hope to have the cameras in place and working before Christmas which we hope will stop shoplifters in their tracks if they think Golborne is a soft option."

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