MINIATURE CCTV cameras are being secretly placed in bus shelters to deter vandals.

Councillors and police in Little Hulton have welcomed a pilot scheme that is running for the next three weeks at undisclosed locations around Salford.

If it is successful, the cameras will be installed in bus shelters at trouble hotspots in Little Hulton.

Designated shelters will be equipped with eight small state-of-the-art cameras to deter vandals.

It is hoped that the cameras will help identify those responsible for crime and anti-social behaviour at shelters and provide valuable reassurance for bus passengers.

Sgt Glen Jones, from Little Hulton Police, said: "These cameras will not only help to reduce vandalism, but allow us to collate evidence in relation to other offences.

"Cameras could help us identify offenders in assaults and will reassure the public who use the bus shelters.

"It would be a big bonus for officers and give us another valuable avenue of inquiry."

A similar initiative in West Yorkshire has already proved successful with several prosecutions for a range of offences including vandalism, graffiti, robberies and assaults.

Cllr Alice Smith, ward member for Little Hulton, said: "There is a history of bus shelters being vandalised in the area.

"When it happens, it looks appalling and the fear of anti-social behaviour within the community increases."

JCDecaux, the company that maintains bus shelters across Greater Manchester, is supporting the scheme.

Regional Operations Manager Eric Spink said: "Shelters that have been targeted by vandals are an eyesore and reflect badly on the surrounding communities as they are perceived to be unsafe.

"We're pleased to be working on a scheme that will both deter and identify those who are responsible for anti-social behaviour, as well as making bus passengers feel more safe and secure."

Bus services through Little Hulton have encountered problems over the years with certain routes declared no-go zones.

Transport bosses stopped services through Kenyon Way and Madamswood Road following a spate of missile attacks at passing buses.