Horwich and Westhoughton may join forces in an attempt to win Government funding for town centre security cameras. The joint bid, which has the support of police in both towns, is seen as likely to stand out as something new with a greater possibility of attracting a grant under the CCTV Home Office Challenge Competition. There is to be a meeting at the Carnegie Hall, Westhoughton, on Monday for all interested parties including both councils, police and members of the Chamber of Trade from each town.

Westhoughton councillor Charles Cooper, who attended a preliminary meeting last week, said the idea was that all the cameras would be monitored from a central site, but he said there was a need to move very fast if the council was to meet the deadline for bids which is mid-November.

"The important message to get across is that we do need to get sufficient support from the local business community," said Cllr Cooper.

Last year the council was unsuccessful in its bid for funding and expressed disappointment at the poor response from local traders.

Horwich Chamber of Trade is strongly in favour of the scheme and is currently conducting a consumer study in the town.

Chairman of the Horwich branch, Simon Wood said: "What is coming through very strong already, is that a lot of people see Horwich as a no go area at night and will not come into the town."

He said there had been problems with vandalism and shops have had windows smashed forcing many premises to fit shutters. There are also problems with gangs of youths intimidating people.

Traders have been calling for CCTV in the town for a long time and feel that the proposed scheme, involving both towns is unique.

A total of four cameras have been suggested located at the junction of Chorley New Road with Winter Hey Lane, Winter Hey Lane and Lee Lane, which would cost approximately £100,000.

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