A NEW drive to take the fight against crime to the heart of communities in Bolton is beginning to make an impact, MPs were told on a fact finding mission.

Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly and Bolton North East MP David Crausby swapped Parliament for a day walking the beat with officers based at a new mobile police unit in Halliwell.

They joined officers on the beat after a tour of Bolton's pioneering Copshop, a mobile unit designed to move around the town to tackle crime and drug offences as, when and where they occur.

The £40,000 portable unit -- the first of its kind in Greater Manchester -- is being placed in communities across the town for 12-week periods.

It is currently in Brownlow Fold Community Learning Centre's car park in Eskrick Street after Halliwell was identified as suffering high levels of drug-related crime.

It has been in Brownlow Fold for six weeks and police chiefs say the Copshop is already having a positive effect on levels of crime.

Police also say that valuable community intelligence is being received from people prepared to walk for a few minutes to a local unit but who might not have bothered attending the town's two main police stations at Astley Bridge or in the town centre.

Detailed figures examining the impact of the Copshop will be made public at the end of the 12 week period.

Intelligence will then determine where the 40ft long converted freight container is positioned next. It includes an enquiry office, a front counter and private interview rooms. It is also linked to the force-wide computer network to offer help and advice to residents on all aspects of crime.

Bolton's first six Police Community Safety Officers (PCSO's) are also based there, to be the "eyes and ears" of the police.

Mr Crausby said the Copshop was a tremendous opportunity for communities to work with the police to tackle crime. He added: "A line must be drawn against crimes that undermine communities, especially burglary and anti-social behaviour."

Ms Kelly added: "This is an excellent initiative, one that brings policing closer to the people.

"I would urge local residents to support the work of Copshop and drop to visit."

Carol Turner, a PCSO, has worked at the Copshop since January.

She said: "It is having an impact in the area. Everybody seems happy to come and see us to report crime, gain advice, or pass on information. We are getting lots of positive feedback from the community."