A NEW task force is set to rid Leigh town centre of boozy troublemakers.

Leigh Town Centre Safe Scheme was launched on Thursday to crack down on crime and disorder by combating alcohol related problems.

A partnership of Wigan Council, councillors, police, publicans, security staff and locals -- based on a tried and tested scheme in Wigan -- involves better lighting and CCTV camera surveillance, an on-street alcohol ban, a late night bus service and stronger links with licencees.

A proof of age scheme has been introduced along with door staff regulation and training and staggered licensing hours.

Leigh already has an on-street alcohol ban but community safety chief Harry Holden said the partnership would consider further measures and the scheme would be tailored to suit Leigh's particular needs.

Community safety cabinet member Cllr Keith Cunliffe said town centre troublemakers would be served with notices to quit.

Insp Bill Dyke of Leigh operational policing unit said: "We want Leigh to be a place where people can relax and have a good time. The last thing our officers want is to be continually dealing with assaults and drunkenness."

Mick Lyons, whose company MYL Security, controls the majority of doors in Wigan and who will be working with the new Leigh partnership, said: "Since we have got together plans to make Wigan a safer place have come on in leaps and bounds, we can do the same for Leigh."