MOBILE CCTV patrols to combat growing levels of anti-social behaviour could be deployed in Little Lever.

Council chiefs have assured worried residents that their call for more CCTV cameras will be assessed.

Councillors, police and members of the public said extra CCTV coverage would be one of the best ways to counter the problems of gangs, vandalism and under-age drinking.

At a public meeting on Tuesday, traders said they hoped to form a partnership with Bolton Council to address funding for a scheme and many said they would be prepared to raise money themselves to cover part of any costs.

Similar CCTV schemes operate in Horwich and Westhoughton but Little Lever only has two cameras. Bolton Council has promised to monitor the situation and a spokesman said cases for installing CCTV cameras are always assessed on their own merits.

However, the council said they would also discuss the possibility of deploying their mobile video surveillance vans to watch over hot-spot areas.

The public meeting was called by Little Lever West Resident's Association in response to growing public concern about crime.

Residents say gangs of youths congregating at night are causing most of the problems. Residents have been attacked and buses and shops pelted with stones by gangs of up to 60 youngsters.

Little Lever Councillor Maureen Connell, who has called for CCTV and organised petitions in the past, said she would take the matter up with Bolton Council.