Tackling alcohol consumption will make Leigh town centre 'safer for everyone'

Speaking to business owners and residents in Leigh, a reoccurring problem they want to see tackled is people drinking alcohol on Bradshawgate.

Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs are said to be verbally abusive to shoppers, which "put[s] people off coming to the town".

David Murphy, owner of You Sweetie sweet shop on Bradshawgate, said that those intoxicated put people off coming into Leigh

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Under a Public Spaces Prevention Order, Leigh town centre is intended to be an alcohol-free zone to restrict the likelihood of anti-social behaviour in the area.

However, with the problem becoming an almost daily issue, many feel that the order is not taken seriously enough.

Aware of alcohol consumption in the town centre, police officers in Leigh have confirmed that it is an issue they are taking seriously and one they intend to "tackle the root cause" of.

Neighbourhood police officers confirmed they are taking the issue of alcohol consumption seriously (Image: Leigh Journal)

With an increased focus on neighbourhood policing, Neighbourhood Sargeant Steve Aspinall said there have been more officers walking around the town centre and market to move offenders on, as well as around the Turnpike Centre and Cenotaph.

In conjunction with the Council, Sgt Aspinall confirmed that there are plans to relocate the town's methadone centre, which is used to treat drug addiction but is perceived as a contributing factor to people being intoxicated in the town centre.

Sgt Aspinall added that while the force will look to support those struggling with addiction, they will punish repeat offenders in order to make the town centre "safer for everyone".