More than 30 CCTV camera are set to be installed in Bury town centre as part of plans to make the borough's streets safer for women and girls.

Bury's community safety partnership has been given £368,579 from the government’s Safer Streets Fund.

The money will be set aside to help "reduce and prevent neighbourhood crime, antisocial behaviour and violence against women and girls in public spaces, and for everyone to feel safe".

The funding is being used to invest in 32 new CCTV cameras in Bury town centre, upgrade radios for community safety and security officers, and work with the Street Pastors to provide community safety advice and support as part of increased patrols.

It will also help to develop environmental improvements and working with community groups in Radcliffe to reduce antisocial behaviour, work with young people through services and groups to reduce anti-social behaviour on the Metrolink network and training for those working to reduce violence against women and girls.

The council has worked with businesses and the partnership to develop the Women's Night-time Safety Charter for licensed bars and clubs open during the night.

The women and girls charter aims to make it safer for women, including those with trans and non-binary identities throughout our borough.

Businesses that sign up commit themselves to make their spaces safer for women and to be active in promoting women’s safety.

It includes training for staff and adopting the "Ask for Angela" scheme, a code name women can ask for on nights out if they feel vulnerable or unsafe.

Cllr Richard Gold, cabinet member for communities and finance, said: “I’m pleased Bury’s bid has been successful as part of an overall Greater Manchester bid of nearly £900,000.

“Bury is a safe place, the third safest in Greater Manchester but sadly incidents do occur.

"We need to do all we can to prevent them so I’m pleased our partnership bid has been accepted and that work has already started.

“The Safer Streets Fund is all about reducing the levels of neighbourhood crime such as robbery, burglary, vehicle crime, and theft from the person as well as reducing violence against women and girls and antisocial behaviour.”

As well as the local authority, Greater Manchester Police, community and voluntary groups represented through Bury CVFA, the fire service, probation service and others are involved in the partnership.

Cllr Charlotte Morris, cabinet member of culture, economy and skills, welcomed the adoption of the Women’s Night-time Safety Charter.

She said: “We are proud that Bury is a safe borough with a welcoming night-time economy, endorsed by the Purple Flag accreditation we have received.

“A huge number of organisations have worked together to make our town centre a welcoming and successful destination: from the council and the police to pubs, restaurants and entertainment venues, retail and transport operators, to our dedicated street pastors.

“We are determined to do all we can to make sure our venues are as safe as possible.

“By introducing this charter and supporting licensed bars and clubs to prioritise women's safety, we aim to create a place where all women feel confident, welcome, and safe when travelling, working or going out at night. 

“Businesses that sign up to the charter commit to fulfilling seven pledges which include adopting safety schemes, training and communication to make themselves a safer venue for women.”