Astmoor no-go for criminals

12:00pm Wednesday 21st May 2008

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SECURITY patrols have been introduced at a troubled industrial estate to attract more businesses.

Astmoor Industrial Estate has stepped up security to reassure potential and existing firms, and reduce crime.

Cllr Rob Polhill, Halton Council's board member for regeneration, said: "A dedicated officer will be assigned to Astmoor to give a single point of contact for the businesses."It will allow the officer to build local knowledge and give an early indication of crime trends. We hope this will make the estate a no-go area for criminals.

"The provision of mobile security patrols is great news for Astmoor as the estate will have a highly visible deterrent against criminal activity provided by an Astmoor-based firm."

A security guard - armed with a marked car, powerful lamp, mobile phone and radio - will patrol the site.

Security firm Druants, which has been drafted in to patrol the estate, will provide a key holding and alarm response service - as well as CCTV management.

Dave Potts, business development manager for Druants, said: "We work to very high standards and this contract continues our commitment to the safety of those who live and work in Halton."

The move has been funded by Astmoor's Business Improvement District (BID) and is available to every company on the estate.