FUN-seekers going down to a new entertainment complex in Bolton have been promised the utmost safety.

One of the most advanced security systems in the country has been installed at the Valley Centertainment Complex, Astley Bridge.

The Virgin Multiplex Cinema complex, Atlantis Nightclub, Esporta Health and Fitness Club, two restaurants and a pub are located on the site which is set to expand when phase two is built.

Ten hi-tech cameras, costing £60,000 in total, swivel about 360 degree angles able to track every movement of wrong-doers.

The cameras can then produce high quality prints of people's faces to be used as evidence in a court of law.

Already police have asked to see video tapes of a small number of drunken fights which have broken out on the car park.

And one man is due in court on a charge of stealing a car after he was caught on the cameras.

Security guards provide round-the-clock surveillance.

Head of operations Alan Goldman said: "We aim to provide a very safe environment for all our customers.

"The level of crime is next to zero if you think of the size of the operation.

"Anyone who comes to the complex can feel very safe indeed."

Bolton's top policeman Chief Super Mel Pelham cast his critical eye over the operation before giving it his approval.

He said: "It reflects the work the police in the borough have been involved in.

"These cameras will be of vital use in cracking any crime on the premises."

But its not just criminals who can get caught on camera by the security guards.

Couples intent on having a bit too much amorous fun in the evening are politely warned by the guards not to act inappropriately in the public car parks.

Security guard Ray Lloyd said with a smile: "We move them along when we spot anything too embarrassing.

"I mean to be honest, if we can see it on the cameras then someone else might see them and we don't want people to complain."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.