FIRMS in East Bolton have been told that they are not being ignored and that their problems will be looked at.

Local business people took their concerns to a meeting of the East Bolton Business Forum, at The Watermillock, Crompton Way.

Invited guests -- David Crausby MP, Cllr Bob Howarth, leader of the council and Cllr Frank White, chair of the East Bolton Regeneration Partnership -- answered questions on a number of issues, including business security, drug misuse, lack of police presence, harassment, theft and prostitution.

"Businesses haven't been forgotten and you're not being ignored," said Mr White in response to one of the questions.

"The police are doing all they can to improve the security of the area and are sometimes present but unseen," he said.

East Bolton businesses had the opportunity to air their own concerns, with Mr Crausby and Mr White dealing with them personally at the end of the meeting.

"It was a good meeting, very informative and it gave a good insight into local policing. It also gave me the opportunity to network with other businesses," said Steven Keyte from Abbfab Services, in Windley Street.

Representatives of any business in the East Bolton Regeneration area wanting to join the forum can contact Sioned Dolan on 01204 336132 or using e-mail on sioned.dolan@bolton.gov.uk