In a bold move health workers are taking the fight against the sexually transmitted disease chlamydia to the town centre's streets in a bid to stop its rapid spread in the borough.

It is an initiative from the Brook Wigan and Leigh Outreach Team who will carry out screen tests for the venereal disease in local pubs, asking punters to provide urine samples.

The team, out and about in the town centre from 8pm to 11pm tonight, will also let people know how to get checked out for other sexually transmitted infections, give advice on how to avoid drink-spiking and spread the word about the dangers of unprotected sex.

The move follows a successful pilot scheme in Leigh in April when Brook visited pubs and carried out 17 chlamydia screenings. Four people tested positive.

Anne-Marie Yates, Brook Outreach Worker, said: "The number of people testing positive for chlamydia has risen sharply in recent times, especially in the 16 to 24 age group but it can be detected through a simple urine test and treated.
"Many people just aren't aware they may have it as it often may have no symptoms."

Those who agree to be screened for chlamydia will be asked to provide a urine sample to the team and give them their name, and contact details.
They will then either be sent a text message or a letter informing them of the result and offered antibiotics if necessary.
Chlamydia is the most common STI in the UK, with one in 10 sexually active people under the age of 25 carrying it.

It has been linked to infertility in women and cervical cancer.
Anne-Marie said: "The response from young people in Leigh was great. A big thank-you must go out to all the pub landlords who were very supportive."