A NEW task force is to be set up in Leigh to tackle town centre crime.

Wigan Council will join forces with police, publicans and door security staff to combat alcohol-related trouble and other problems.

Leigh has an on-street alcohol ban, but Harry Holden, the council's community safety chief, said the partnership would be looking at what other measures could be introduced.

Mr Holden said: "The Leigh scheme will be tailored to suit the town centre's particular needs, but we know the basic principle of working in partnership to crack crime is a sound one."

Cllr Keith Cuncliffe, the Cabinet member for Community Safety, said the Leigh scheme would serve notice on town centre troublemakers.

Cllr Cuncliffe said: "People who drink large amounts and then cause problems are not welcome in Leigh."

The partnership intends to build on successful initiatives to reduce alcohol-related incidents."