A TOWN centre is to get a cutting-edge CCTV system to help crack down on troublemakers.

The £15,000 system, featuring seven hi-tech cameras, will be installed in Westhoughton.

The dome cameras will monitor activity in Market Street, Pavillion Square, Wigan Road and Central Drive.

Councillors and police chiefs hope the CCTV will help rid the streets of underage drinkers and young troublemakers who have blighted the town for months.

There are currently four surveillance cameras in Market Street which rely on operators to move them.

The new cameras, which will have anti-vandal guards, will continually scan the town centre. Their direction is masked by the domes, making it harder for offenders to tell what the cameras are focused on.

Westhoughton Town Council this week made the decision to fund the project after an application for a government grant was refused.

Town council leader Cllr Jim Gilfillan said: "We think this is a necessity for the town centre. We had hoped for help with funding but rather than wait for the next round of applications, we decided to push on with the scheme using this year's budget. The town council has been quite frugal over the past year, so we have savings available to use."

The upgrades have been welcomed by the neighbourhood police team, who are carrying out Operation Anvil - a zero-tolerance crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

Bolton West area inspector Mo Razaq said: "CCTV is a big deterrent and a proven method of crime-reduction. People now know there is evidence if they commit crimes.

"The system is worth every penny and will support the work of police as well as residents and businesses."