Tackling anti-social behaviour and improving community safety in our towns is one of Jo Platt’s personal priorities for Leigh and Atherton.

Residents and businesses have been sharing their concerns about crime and anti-social behaviour in Leigh and Jo and her team are taking action.

This week, Greater Manchester Police, alongside local partners, attended addresses on Railway Road, Chapel Street, and Union Street. A cannabis farm was discovered at one of the locations and is now being dismantled. Police and partner agencies remained at the scene, but I’m told that there is no cause for concern for the wider community.

Jo has also been pushing for additional CCTV units to be installed in Leigh town centre to provide additional coverage around Lord Street, Charles Street and the top of Bradshawgate. These units were recently approved, and installation is underway. This will help us tackle anti-social behaviour, known crime hotspots, and support the enforcement of environmental crimes.

This morning the two benches outside Greggs and Bookcycle on the lower end of Bradshawgate were also removed to deter those who have causing a daily nuisance in the town centre.

Jo Platt said: “Before I was elected, I pledged to tackle anti-social behaviour and to improve community safety in our towns. Myself and my team are working hard to help improve things.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who is reporting issues via the official channels – you are making a real difference. By working together, we are making Leigh a safer place. Every report, no matter how small, helps us to build a better picture of the issues, so that they can be tackled more effectively.”

In an emergency, phone 999 and ask for the police. If it’s not an emergency but it’s a crime-related incident contact Greater Manchester Police by calling 101.

If you would prefer to provide information anonymously, you can report it to CrimeStoppers online, or call 0800 555111.

You can also sign up to Bee in the Loop, the free community messaging service from Greater Manchester Police.

Jo and her constituency office will continue to meet regularly with GMP, and other partners to ensure that the situation in Leigh town centre improves.