A COUNCILLOR had called for more to tackle knife crime in Victoria Square even before the weekend police crackdown.

It came after three men, who took part in a series of terrifying street robberies in Bolton town centre, were jailed for a total of more than eight years, just over a week ago.

During sentencing Bolton Crown Court heard that Mesaadi Saaed, Baha Kadum and Mustafa Aldulaimi, targeted people over a month-long period, where their victims were forced into darkened areas, and threatened, with items also stolen including phones, bank cards and money.

Cllr Martin Donaghy described the area as a ‘hostile’ place at night, and has said that the lighting needs to be improved to help the situation.

The area also saw saw a man Tasered for carrying a knife and later arrested on suspicion for affray and possession of a bladed article, in April 2021.

Another incident involving a knife also took place in May 2021, where two men were charged with robbery and assault after a man was stabbed in Victoria Square.

Cllr Donaghy said: “For anyone walking across Victoria Square at night, they will see several lights not working.

“The square is a hostile place at night and it isn’t a very friendly place.

“There has been quite a lot of serious crime in the last few months, which makes people more vulnerable.

“Victoria Square is the premiere square in front of our brilliant town hall.

“If people can’t feel safe here, where can they feel safe?”

He explained how important it was as a councillor to make sure the whole of the town centre is safe.

According to Cllr Donaghy, lighting in the area hasn’t been working properly for 12 months.

Cllr Donaghy said that he wants to work with the council, and will be raising the issue at the next full council meeting.

He said:”Within the council, safety partnership, and police it’s crucial to make sure that all squares and meeting places across the borough are safe.”

The council was approached for comment.