A SCHEME to help businesses support each other in combating anti-social behaviour and crime in town centres has held its first annual meeting.

The 25 businesses which make up Bexleyheath Townsafe met last month to reflect on successes of the past year and consider future goals.

Security staff and the Townsafe management board meet regularly with council officials and police to share information, solve problems and discuss community safety and security issues affecting retailers in the area.

The scheme has successfully secured a Safer Shopping accreditation from the British Retail Consortium and hopes to build strong links with the London Business Crime Association.