FORMER policeman Peter Collins claims he has been victimised after suggesting beat bobbies could do a Traffic warden's job.

Leigh newsagent Mr Collins was booked for parking in front of his shop.

Two days before he had openly proposed increasing the number of officers and said cutting back on wardens could help the fight against daytime crime in Leigh town centre.

And he feels sour grapes led to the Bradshawgate booking after he had revealed his thoughts in a Journal interview.

He said:"I'm not saying I'm above the law but, usually, if there is a problem the wardens just come and tap on the window and we move the van.

"This time they didn't even stand beside the van, they wrote the ticket somewhere else then slapped it on the windscreen.

"It seems rather petty. When I suggested we could fund one policeman for the price of two wardens I was highlighting the policing problem we face.

"Twenty years ago the bobby did the warden's job and his own. It's about time things went full circle."

Businessman Mr Collins, who was delivering goods to the newsagency, was parked for five minutes in a single yellow line zone. A street sign outside the shop clearly states times when unloading is not permitted, but this incident occurred outside the restricted periods.

Leigh Business Partnership leader Gordon Jackson raised a similar point recently at a law and order meeting with police, politicians and public.

Queen Street ironmonger Mr Jackson said:"We've more traffic wardens than policemen.

"We still need the traffic wardens. But I did suggest beat bobbies from other areas could be drafted in to the town centre on a rota basis to cover leave or sickness.

"I must say since that meeting there has been a better police presence in the town centre.

"Hopefully there will be more meetings to resolve the situation."

The Journal tried unsuccessfully to obtain a comment from Traffic Warden control in Manchester.

But Ch Insp Steve Westcott of Leigh Police said:"Traffic wardens provide a vital service and are taking on new functions and extended powers. I don't think the exchange suggestion would be seriously entertained."

Town centre traders are currently operating a Shopwatch scheme to alert others when troublemakers and thieves hit the town.

Mr Jackson explained:"This is a joint operation between the Police and Leigh Business Partnership members.

"Co-operation with each other is the best way of beating crime."

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