A ONE-man anti-crime campaign has been launched in Carnforth as the town mayor pops leaflets through every letterbox.

Coun Brian Ward is distributing 7,500 flyers to raise awareness of the Crimestoppers scheme through which people can report anything suspicious in strict confidence.

Sponsored by the town council, chamber of trade and rotary club in Carnforth, the leaflets will be delivered to households and left with local businesses in a bid to cut crime.

As previously reported in the Gazette, a spate of fires in the town spurred Coun Ward to launch a scheme to clamp down on criminals.

Hundreds of pounds worth of damage was caused when fire swept through a kiosk and office building at the Norjac filling station, Millhead Village Hall was destroyed and an old rail coach was wrecked in the summer.

There were also minor fires, some started in rubbish bins.

"We had 16 fires in nine weeks and Lancashire Crimestoppers offered £500 for information which brought anyone to court," he said.

"There is still concern about crime around the railway station and shops being damaged."

"I am not saying we can stamp it out but if we cut crime by 20 per cent we will have achieved something," said Coun Ward

Three volunteers have come forward to help deliver some of the leaflets and Coun Ward, who will also be speaking to organisations about ways to tackle crime, is hoping others will see the benefits and help out.

"Some people have said to give them the leaflets and they will deliver them to other houses in their own streets," he said.

"But If I have to do it myself, I'll do it myself."

l Concerns about teenage gangs meeting up at Carnforth train station were discussed with members of Lancaster British Transport Police.

Carnforth Town Council met Robert Pook and Alan Farquarson to talk about ways anti-social behaviour could be resolved.

It was agreed that security at the situation was likely to improve when the station was improved under Lancaster City Council's regeneration plan.

l Fencing could soon be put up around the proposed Safeway store site in Carnforth after the town council expressed concern about the number of people hanging around inside.

Town council clerk John Pratt said councillors wanted the site securing to prevent trespass.

They are also worried about tipping, after an old car was left on the development area.

Safeway has postponed building work until next year after the land was found to be contaminated by fuel.