A SCHEME aimed at combating crime and anti-social behaviour has been embraced by businesses in South Craven.

Around a dozen shops, post offices, pubs and petrol stations have signed up to Radio Link, a scheme which is proving to be a success for businesses in Skipton.

Managers, including South Craven Councillor Stephen Place, who runs the Londis Store in Sutton, have now signed up to the Cross Hills Police Radio Link.

It means businesses can communicate with one another and police officers via hand-held radios.

They can inform one another about any anti-social behaviour being experienced and other issues, including forged money being exchanged.

Publicans can also inform one another of pub-goers who may have been barred or may have had one drink too many.

The scheme is being co-ordinated by PC Wayne Smith, of Cross Hills Police Station.

Despite only being introduced around a fortnight ago, Coun Place believes South Craven villages are already seeing the benefits.

He said: "Sutton and Cross Hills businesses have already seen the benefit of the slogan 'It's good to talk'.

"By working in closer co-operation with our police officers and each other we can help keep our villages safe and pleasant places in which to live.

"To those who try to spoil things the message is clear - we're watching, we're listening, we're on your case."

Coun Place also indicated the initiative could next be rolled out in Settle.

Joyce Crawford, manager of the Snax 24 filling station on Station Road, Cross Hills, said she thought it was a brilliant idea after signing up a couple of weeks ago.

She said: "PC Wayne Smith approached us about the scheme and after getting permission from head office, we got involved. I definitely think it is a good deterrent.

"We haven't had to use it as yet. I think it will help bring businesses closer together."

Sharon Latta, postmistress at Cross Hills' Post Office, also jumped at the chance of getting on board.

She said: "We agreed to get involved straight away. We thought it would be excellent for security reasons. It's a deterrent by having a sign in the window and the radio behind the counter."

Glusburn Parish Council is also involved with the scheme, with members agreeing to fund a radio for their park keeper.

Cross Hills' Co-op store and the Old White Bear pub, also in the village, have also been recruited.

Robert Naylor from the pub said: "We were given the opportunity to take this on and we thought it would be useful to help us and other businesses.

"Everyone is helping each other and it's useful if anything is going on. We are mainly using it at weekends."

To get involved with the scheme, contact PC Wayne Smith or Police Community Support Officer Jason Perkins at Cross Hills Police Station. Radios can also be purchased from Skipton Police Station. There is also an annual fee of £30 for the radios.