POLICE have accused BT of putting profits before public safety after they backtracked on closing payphones used by prostitutes and drug dealers.

Officers say BT had agreed to move the row of kiosks from Bromwich Street in The Haulgh, following angry complaints by residents, councillors and an MP.

But Supt Simon Barraclough, of Bolton Police, was stunned to receive a letter from the company days later to say the controversial payphones would be staying put.

Today, backed by Bolton South-east MP Brian Iddon, he accused BT of putting profit before residents' lives and vowed to fight the decision.

Supt Barraclough said: "I am not suggesting BT condone prostitution or drug dealing. But they are putting money before the needs of local people.

"This is a classic example of crime and disorder partnerships falling down due to corporate business involvement. The assurance I received has been over-ridden."

Police say the phones are the focal point of the area's drug and vice trade. Two vice girls giving evidence at the on-going Carly Bateman murder trial also revealed in Manchester Crown Court how they would use them to buy drugs and attract clients.

BT chiefs agreed to block all in-coming calls for three months after a community police meeting and Supt Barraclough said plans to move them to Lower Bridgeman Street were agreed at a site visit this month.

He said: "It would be moving the boxes to an area where prostitution is recognised. We could monitor them more closely and cars could not wait.

"That would be a strong step to preventing kerb crawling and drug dealing."

But BT then said in a letter: "The boxes are reasonably well used and although usage has reduced over the past 12 months, they are still providing a valuable community service."

It said moving them would cause traffic risks and would not serve the community they are intended for.

Supt Barraclough replied: "After my assurance to you regarding the clientele who use the boxes, I can only assume that you are willing to profit from the misery of drug dealing and prostitution."

He added today: "I am not going to stop. I will take it up to the highest levels at BT and will ask Dr Iddon to raise the matter with the Home Office."

Five extra officers now deal specifically with vice and drug problems in The Haulgh. Supt Barraclough said today: "They are there to clear out the problem and it is working. But this situation has left me utterly astounded."

Dr Iddon MP said he was annoyed at the decision. He added: "BT promised the police and myself they would separate these four boxes to stop the prostitutes using them.

"It is very intimidating for local people, especially women. I would ask BT to co-operate and help the community."

A spokesman for BT Payphones said: "We agreed to remove two of the four boxes, but are awaiting a response from the police.

"The boxes are well used among residents in the area and still provide a high level of service for them."

He added: "If a vast majority of residents wanted the boxes removed then we would do so."