SECURITY bosses are planning a new CCtv link to Leigh police station in a bid to deter town centre ram-raiders (writes Malcolm Ryding).

And they hope it will be in operation later this year - subject to funding becoming available from the Coalfield Challenge.

Pressure is mounting from Leigh Business Partnership and Bradshawgate traders for new action on security measures following a recent series of raids on clothes and leisure shops.

Gordon Jackson, chairman of the Partnership, told The Journal: "What do we want? CCtv cameras extending down Bradshawgate. And when do we want them? NOW!"

Mr Jackson will be pressing for an additional pod of cameras at next week's meeting of the town centre Risk Management Group.

Harry Holden, chairman of that Group, told The Journal another set of cameras would cost around £10,000 and funding would have to be obtained from Coalfield Challenge.

"But to improve the situation, there is talk of another link to Leigh police station which will enable police officers to control the Leigh cameras should they feel that necessary," said Mr Holden, who is currently getting quotes for that work.

Coalfield Challenge co-ordinator Sian Jay said her board had made a commitment to fund the extension of the viewing monitors but this was subject to funds becoming available from under-use in other projects.

"It is top of our priority list once the money is available. But, unfortunately, we can't magic money from thin air," added Sian.

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