THE battle against crime in Leominster has taken a big step forward with the implementation of the Leominster Radio Link.

The scheme, which links 23 businesses in the town centre with walkie-talkie radios, is now well into a one-month trial.

Traders have been quick to back the scheme, which has been driven forward by recently-appointed community police officer Brian Lycett and town centre manager Elaine Griffin, achieving support from businesses small and large, including Somerfield and Woolworths.

"It means that, if there are any problems in the town or any unsavoury characters about, businesses can quickly contact each other and the police," said Mrs Griffin. "I hope the scheme will bring a feeling of security to the town centre."

The link uses equipment already set-up similar schemes in Worcester, Droitwich, Evesham, Malvern, Tewkesbury and Cheltenham.

In another move to combat the problem of drug-trafficking in Leominster, the telephone boxes in Corn Square are to be barred from receiving incoming calls.