TOWN managers in Birkenhead have a Christmas message for shoppers in the weeks to come - that Birkenhead's shopping centres are a friendly, safe, relaxed place to shop.

Pictured are the two shopping centre managers, Mel Glasby of the Pyramids and Norma Clarke, from Grange Shopping Centre, with the Mayor and Mayoress and pupils from St Werburgh's and Woodlands schools. It was the launch of the police Childwatch scheme to tell children what to do if they become lost in a crowd.

Tom McCarten, officer at the Cop Shop in The Pyramids, explained to them the 'bubble' theme of the campaign. Afterwards there was orange juice and cakes for the youngsters, plus a visit to Santa's grotto. Birkenhead switched on its Christmas lights last week, heralding late-night shopping each Thursday.

Birkenhead is covered by Merseyside Police's Town Safe promise to cut down on crime. Birkenhead shopping area, with its CCTV, security guards and radio network, is one of the safest places to shop, unless you're a shoplifter! They are likely to be caught on camera or by security teams working with the police throughout the Christmas shopping rush.

Birkenhead Market yesterday hosted an information day telling women how to protect themselves. Rock Ferry YWCA had a stand dealing with all aspects of violence towards women.

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