Oldham council has vowed to tackle a 'scourge' of 'dodgy shops' that are blighting the borough's high streets, with local leaders warning that these businesses are often gateways for serious organised crime, including money laundering, modern slavery and drug dealing.

Concerns have been amplified by a motion passed unanimously by Bury council, which estimated that up to 50 per cent of mini-marts and vape shops, and up to a third of American candy shops, are operating outside the law. Oldham is now examining its own high streets for similar patterns of illegal activity.

Labour councillor Michael Rubinstein, from Bury's Pilkington Park ward, described the shops as deliberately law-breaking. "It is not a shop which some people may not want to go into. It is one which deliberately acts to break the law," he said. "Up to 50 per cent of mini-marts and vape shops and up to one third of American candy shops are operating outside the law. We need to clamp down on these illicit businesses, protect those already trading legally."

He added: "This is not the Godfather or The Sopranos; there is nothing glamorous about organised crime. It is money laundering, modern slavery, human trafficking, it is cybercrime, it is violence. That might seem a dramatic conclusion to draw from a small corner shop, but that shop is often the gateway to a key component for wider criminal activity. When criminals take over, societies crumble."

The human cost is significant, with councillors highlighting the impact on children and young people, the fear experienced by older residents, and the strain on social care and health services.

A representative from Bury council added: "Residents report that these premises can become focal points for anti-social behaviour, attracting groups of young people who are able to access cigarettes, vapes, and, in some cases, alcohol. Nearby residents and businesses are then left dealing with nuisance, intimidation, litter, noise and disorder, damaging confidence in our town centres and making them less attractive places to visit."

Leader of Bury council said: "I'm sure that we've all walked past at least one of these shop fronts, multiple times a day in some cases, and wondered how on earth they are trading given that they're empty all the time, knowing that there will be more than likely something sinister and potentially unlawful going on in the background. Our communities deserve so much better."

In Oldham, councillors are echoing these sentiments. A spokesperson for Oldham council commented: "We are concerned about the potential for such illegal businesses to operate in our borough. We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police and other agencies to identify and take action against any premises that are breaking the law. Our aim is to protect legitimate businesses and ensure our high streets are safe and welcoming for everyone."

Oldham council is expected to bring forward a motion similar to Bury's in the coming weeks, focusing on stronger enforcement and licensing measures. The motion will emphasise the need to protect local residents and legitimate traders from the impact of these illegitimate businesses.

Residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to the council or police to help combat this 'scourge' and keep Oldham's communities safe. The fight against 'dodgy shops' is seen as a key step in revitalising the borough's town centres and ensuring they remain vibrant and secure for all.