IN an attempt to curb the number of car thefts and vandalism in Leigh and Golborne, thousands of pounds are being spent tearing up bushes.

The council, spending Coalfield Challenge cash to the tune of £80,000, has already ripped up large bushes at Doctor's Nook, William Street and Brewery Lane in Leigh and at School Street and Tanners Lane in Golborne, much to the chagrin of some local people who feel they should have been consulted.

They are angry at the loss of the bushes and, as reported in last week's Journal, have accused the council of wasting cash by planting them in the first place.

But the council says their removal has gone ahead after talks with police who claim the bushes presented the perfect hiding place for would-be thieves.

Stuart Bennett, the council's car parks manager, said: "The figures show that these car parks in particular have suffered from a high level of theft and vandalism. The work which we are doing should hopefully go a long way to reducing that.

"Some people might wonder why we are removing shrubs in this way. I can assure them that all the evidence we have shows that extensive shrub areas are a key factor in car park problems, since they offer an easy hiding place to the crooks."

He added that by opening up the areas to what he called "natural surveillance" the council aims to tackle the problem. He also pointed out that not all the greenery was being removed, for large shrubs would be replaced with low growing varieties."

Mr. Bennett added that anyone using the car parks or living close is welcome to comment on the plans by ringing him on 01942 827322.

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