BURY Business Club members could hardly have been in a better protected environment for their April meeting at the Mill Gate shopping centre.

The evening included a privileged inside view of the high-tech security control centre in the company of security manager Chris O'Connell, as well as member experts in security systems, manned protection and Greater Manchester Police.

Centre Manager Colin Nichol presented an impressive array of facts and figures illustrating the huge success of the investment in Bury's town centre.

For example, the 140 retailers attract more than a million visits every month, with annual "footfall" amounting to well over half that of the Trafford Centre.

The further £3 million investment in the current redevelopment of Minden Parade will bring additional retailing units to the burgeoning town centre.

Security was the main topic with presentations from manned security specialist Key Control Services and from CODE Security Systems.

Members observed the control centre, equipped with more than 90 cameras which are sited throughout the town centre.

The PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) and recording capabilities allow for specific detail to be captured and used where appropriate in prosecution evidence.

Radio communications around the centre complement the visual monitoring, ensuring an effective 24-hour security coverage of all the main vantage points.

Westfield laid on a buffet for members and the meeting also included the usual slots.

In a change of format, the next meeting of the business club will be an "Ask the Experts" evening at the Red Hall Hotel on May 30.

A panel of specialists in law, tax, pensions, IT and grant opportunities will be on hand to answer members' questions. Further details of the meeting, and a form for advance submissions of specific questions, are available from Kay Gregson at Bolton and Bury Chamber, tel: 01204 374668.