A GROUP set up to tackle Bolton's night-time economy and make the town safer has been hailed a success, one year on from its formation.

Nightclub owners, pub landlords, Bolton Council, the police, taxi firms and even NCP began working together a year ago to cut crime on Friday and Saturday nights in Bolton.

They aimed to make the town a safer and more attractive place to visit for nights out.

A year ago, police were commonly deploying 24 officers in the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights — now they often have just seven on duty.

Ch Insp Mark Bell held a briefing last week with licensees, ahead of the Mad Friday, Boxing Day and New Year's Eve rush, to outline the progress made.

Steve Hoyle, chair of Bolton PubWatch and owner of Downtown Bolton in Bradshawgate, said: "We are trying to give people the best night out possible in a safe environment.

"We have had a lot of progress although there is a lot of work still to be done.

"We are just trying to bring the town centre back.

"Bury has done well and Manchester is always very busy, so why can't Bolton be the same?

"We are not aiming at people but we want to change the town centre so the right people are eager to come.

"The town centre has had bad press in the past but we want to reassure everybody that we have got on board and are working together now.

"It seems to be heading in the right direction."

Police say that violent crime in the town centre on Fridays and Saturdays is on the decrease.

In September 2013 eight officers were hurt in Bradshawgate in just one week.

Licensees have worked together in a number of ways, including by collaborating on offers, so price wars do not lead to really cheap alcohol being available.

Each agrees a type of drink it will offer so they are not competing.

Bouncers at each of the 10 Bolton establishments with a licence until 4am — the second most behind Manchester in the region — communicate with each other by radio to warn of people they have ejected or refused entry.

Bar staff and other workers at most town centre bars and clubs are now all taking safety courses and being trained to carry out Challenge 25 checks and fulfil other legal requirements.

Ch Insp Bell said: "It has been very good and the briefing is basically to say 'this is how far we have come in a year'.

"A big aim for us now is to get more restaurants. What was happening was that the shops were all shutting at 6pm.

"Then there would be a lull until about 11pm and midnight when people would arrive, often having already been drinking, for a night out.

"We want to keep some of the shoppers in Bolton for their tea, and attract a wider range of people to the town."