A CAMPAIGN to slash crime, arson and vandalism gets under way on a Bolton estate next week.

The Moses Gate area of Farnworth is being targeted by a week-long "beat sweep" which will see firefighters, police and teams of council officers tackle crime hotspots and areas in need of a clean-up.

Rubbish will be removed and abandoned cars will be towed away to stop them being set on fire by vandals.

Police have also been speaking to people in the area about their concerns and will target known troublemakers as part of the purge.

Ian Bailey Station commander at Bolton Central Fire Station is co-ordinating the operation.

He said: "The beat sweep is a kick-start for an area and allows us to work with the community, the police and Bolton Council in an attempt reduce crime, arson and vandalism.

"We want to get residents involved to help us make Moses Gate a much more pleasant place to live, work and visit."

The services involved will also go back to Moses Gate once the beat sweep is over to check that the problems identified by the community are not recurring.

Mr Bailey said residents in the area would also be offered free home fire risk assessments and smoke alarms.

Other beat sweeps have taken place in the Willows area of Deane, Kearsley, Brownlow Fold and Great Lever.