LEADER of the council, Bob Bibby, has defended claims that Bury is the worst borough in Greater Manchester for violent crime.

At the last full council meeting, Councillor John Smith called for known trouble hotspots to be investigated.

Cllr Smith said Bury is considered a violent town centre, partly due to extended licensing.

Cllr Bibby said Cllr Smith’s claims were “far-fetched” and added that figures reveal violent crime in Bury decreased by 12 per cent from 2008 to 2009.