BOLTON'S over-50s are set to take their concerns about crime to the town's police chiefs.

Members of the Bolton and District Over-50s Federation will meet this Thursday, September 21, for a special question and answer session with the town's crimefighters.

The group, which was formed in March, acts as a voice to express the views of older people on particular matters.

The Federation will meet every two months and at the last one it was decided to address four issues of major concern to older townsfolk -- one being crime and safety in the community.

Members are meeting with representatives from the police, the probation service, community safety and mediation services.

Anne Kaneen, a Federation member, said: "From an inaugural meeting, when various issues were discussed, it became clear that some people were frightened to go out at night.

"People's prime concern was crime and whether the punishment fits the crime. This meeting will help us to get some answers and to see where we're at in the fight against crime and how many bobbies are on the beat. I'm sure it will be a healthy debate."

The over-50s' meeting comes just weeks after Bolton youngsters gathered at the Lads and Girls Club for an induction meeting of a youth crime prevention panel, during which their fears of crime were also voiced.

Any person in the borough aged 50 or over is welcome to attend the meeting. For details, call Anne Kaneen on 01204 842288 for more information.