A TEAM of 14 professional community support officers are being recruited in Bolton to assist the police.

They could have powers to deal with a host of problems, including anti-social behaviour, dropping litter, and dog fouling. In some cases they will also be able to confiscate alcohol.

The support officers will also be able to issue fixed penalties to offenders and will work regular shifts alongside police officers on the beat.

It is believed their presence would act as a crime deterrent.

A total of160 community support officers are being recruited throughout the Greater Manchester Police area, including 10 in Bury. The Bolton team is expected to be on patrol by April, 2003.

They will wear a distinguishable uniform, carry police radios and undergo training.

Superintendent Peter Driver, from the force's uniform operations division, said: "This is going to be a wonderful opportunity to add to our fight against crime and disorder."

"Community service officers are there to concentrate on the day-to-day problems that bother the community the most."

"One hundred and sixty CSOs are 160 police officers freed up for more crime fighting."

The Greater Manchester force is one of 27 across the country which have bid successfully for Home Office funding for the project.