NEW town centre boss John Ayres is starting to tackle crime in Leigh (writes Malcolm Ryding).

Together with Leigh top-cop Malcolm Howells, he has forged a partnership which he hopes will see more bobbies on the beat and safer town centre streets.

John held a security summit with Supt Howells and Leigh Business Partnership leaders, who have long-called for more police on the streets.

The outcome is a recruiting campaign for more part-time police officers dedicated to working in and around the town centre.

"We are all - police and business leaders - trying to make Leigh a safer place to shop and socialise. The police haven't the financial resources for regular officers so we are looking now at recruiting more 'Specials'.

"People want to feel safe when they come shopping and for a night out. This will help tremendously. We all want to raise the quality of life in Leigh town centre.

"This move forges a unique partnership between the business community and the police."

Supt Malcolm Howells said: "I can think of no greater committment to the community than giving up our precious leisure time to support other people.

"Police officers, whether paid or un-paid, have a special place in society. By working with that society, we continue to make Leigh not just an enjoyable place to be but one that's in the vanguard of positive change for the way society is going to be in the future.

"What we have here is not just individual, spirited citizens working with the police service but individuals encouraged and backed by traders associations, councillors and the police working together. That's got to be good for Leigh."

Anyone who wants more details about being a 'Special' should contact Leigh Police Station.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.