TRADERS and residents in Ramsbottom have welcomed the arrival of a new CCTV camera.

The camera, funded by Ramsbottom Area Board to help tackle problems of anti-social behaviour, was activated this week and will be linked to Bury Council's CCTV monitoring system.

It is hoped its presence will deter much of the trouble causing problems in the town centre, including vandalism and damage to shop and offices. Anyone caught on camera and guilty of anti-social behaviour will be referred to the police who will take action.

Area Inspector Bryn Williams said: "This project is all about working with the people of Ramsbottom to combat the problems of anti-social behaviour, identify those responsible and ensure that those who are causing the problems are dealt with correctly."

Area co-ordinator Kim Griffiths added: "A camera alone will not resolve all issues. Like any reliable witness, a camera can only report what it can see at the time it is recording. We therefore urge all residents to continue to report problems, which we will endeavour to resolve and put some long term projects in place for the whole community."