A TOTAL of £400,000 has been pledged to improve the safety of residents.

Wigan Council has announced the money will come from the £5m Believe in Leigh fund in response to a survey which was run throughout September.

More than 600 residents filled it in with people saying they want funds allocated to tackle anti-social behaviour and crime in the town centre and nearby residential areas.

Funds will be spent on introducing more CCTV in the town centre and surrounding areas including rapid deployment mobile camera to target problem zones.

There will also be an increased security present, bright LED street lighting installed and more waste facilities available.

Lord Peter Smith, who leads the Believe in Leigh board, said: “We had a large response to the survey and I want to thank all residents who took part.

“While the initial focus of the survey was on suggested improvements to the town centre the clear message we got back from residents was that they wanted more to be done to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in central Leigh.

“We have listened to these concerns and have prioritised the first part of the funding on this issue.

“We hope the new CCTV, street lighting and extra security presence in the town centre will provide reassurance to residents that Leigh is safe.

“The chances of detecting people committing crime or anti-social behaviour will be increased as a result of this investment.”

Details on where the CCTV will be located will be revealed once the locations have been confirmed.

In the last month the local authority and partner agencies have cracked down on anti-social behaviour as part of the Action for Leigh campaign.

Greater Manchester Police has focused on drug dealing as this was one of the town's greatest concerns which were raised from residents as well as Leigh MP Jo Platt.

Environmental issues including providing more waste amnesties, homeless outreach work, targeting anti-social behaviour and promoting good licensing practice has also took place.

The Believe in Leigh fund has already had £1m of improvements on Bradshawgate and to benefit the outdoor market.

Town centre regeneration, activities for young people and Pennington Flash Country Park are three areas that were identified in the fund.

Young people in Leigh have also completed their own survey with results on funding in that area set to be announced soon.