RESIDENTS in The Haulgh have praised the council for helping to transform their crime plagued street into a safer place to live.

Over the past few years, residents from Kirkwall Drive have been been hit by a spate of burglaries on their homes.

But they formed the Kirkwall Residents' Association in March last year and contacted Bolton Council and the present Mayoress of Bolton Cllr Prentice Howarth, to look at ways of reducing crime in their area.

Now, 18 months later, the council have taken action and closed off two ginnels on their road, erected a six feet high security fence and improved street lighting.

They have also improved the road surface for residents -- who have been left delighted by the council's work.

Mr Derek Poole, chairman of the association, said: "A couple of years ago we had a string of burglaries on our homes, including one night when four homes were burgled.

"We formed an association and spoke to Cllr Prentice Howarth about ways of improving security in our street.

"Our street is made up mainly of elderly residents of all nationalities who live well together. But they did not feel secure in their own homes.

"I have got nothing but praise for what the council have done since we formed our residents' association. Closing off the two ginnels has helped to close off access for would be burglars.

"The security fence has made us feel more secure in our homes and the road surface is like a bowling green. They have done a fantastic job."