Thefts could make redevelopment plans 'unsustainable' in a burglary hit area unless action including more CCTV cameras and police patrols are taken, a councillor warns.

This comes after several recent break-in across Farnworth town centre, with newly elected Cllr Nadeem Ayub now calling for more security cameras, more police patrols and more targeted actions like last week’s Operation Avro to tackle crime in the area.

He has warned that otherwise, businesses in the area will struggle which could in-turn endanger more wide-ranging plans for the redevelopment of Farnworth.

Cllr Ayub said: “Obviously there are independent shops in the area and for them its unstainable.

“If redevelopment is to take place, then extra measures need to be take to help deal with crime and burglaries.”

The Bolton News:

Cllr Nadeem Ayub has called for more action to tackle crime in his Farnworth ward

In particular, the Farnworth councillor has called for extra security cameras to be installed around the town centre to take the pressure of private businesses that have been having to use their own cameras to keep their premises safe.

He also says that he hopes to see targeted action like Operation Avro last week become more common.

Cllr Ayub said: “We need more operations like these because the police presence is crucial.

“Obviously that was positive on Higher Market Street so we want to see more actions like that.”

This comes ahead of a much publicised “masterplan” for Farnworth, which will see around £13.3million spend on renovating the area around Home Bargains on Market Street.

This will include pedestrian and cycle facilities along Market Street, planting trees and providing additional seating but Cllr Ayub has warned that tackling crime will be crucial to attracting investment.

Bolton Council cabinet member for stronger communities Cllr Mudasir Dean said: “The council are doing their utmost to attract investment into Farnworth by transforming the town centre into a modern, safe and welcoming place for residents and for visitors.”

He added: “Tackling crime is a priority for Greater Manchester Police.”

He said the council’s community safety team will report back on a 'regular basis' on measures taken to tackle crime.