BUSINESSES have responded to a call from police to highlight areas where homeless people are sleeping rough in Northwich town centre.

Northwich Community Action Team's PC Steve Jones had an excellent response to his appeal in the Chronicle a fortnight ago, when he called on local traders to come forward with information about people bedding down in shop doorways and back yards.

He said many traders told him they solved the issue by stepping up security and introducing locks, bolts and gates to keep people out of yards and outbuildings, and is now asking others to do the same.

PC Jones said: 'I'd like to say a really big thanks to the people who came forward after reading my appeal. It's clear from the information provided that some businesses which had problems have sorted them out by making a few changes.

'Simple things like making sure everywhere is properly locked up and out of bounds, improving locks to ensure gates can't be forced open. Relatively cheap and easy steps but highly effective.'

PC Jones said he hopes the information his has collated will also help those sleeping rough. PC Jones said: 'I'm hoping the information I've passed on to agencies which are equipped to provide support to homeless people will be used in a way which will help those who have been contributing to the problem.

'Many people find themselves in a situation which they don't know how to resolve. I'd like to think the work we've been doing will help put those people on the right track.'