A SURVEY by residents in The Haulgh has shown a fall in the number of vice girls working the streets.

Residents recorded sightings in the study for The Haulgh Community Partnership -- with many spotting fewer prostitutes in the area than 15 months ago.

It comes as police continue to combat drug-dealing, kerb-crawling and prostitution under Operation Resident.

The operation began following the death of teenage prostitute Carly Bateman last year.

Extra patrols to monitor residential areas around Bolton town centre were launched after homeowners claimed crime and lack of investment were blighting The Haulgh. Dave Morgan, secretary of The Haulgh Community Partnership, said: "People seem to concentrate on the negatives, although there are lots of plus points to life in The Haulgh.

"Community safety and anti-social behaviour are of great concern to residents. We have seen the number of prostitutes drop on the streets and the police take our problems seriously."

The Haulgh Community Partnership is also seeking to promote community activities. An action plan has been drawn up and fun days, grot spot clean-ups and a new youth club are all helping to shed the area's crime-riddled image.

Chairman Janet Strong said: "We will continue to focus on positive actions which we hope will make a direct contribution to the quality of life in The Haulgh."

The survey asked residents to list their top community concerns. Road safety, crime, creating a community centre, providing play areas and offering facilities for youths and the elderly all featured heavily in the replies.

The study also claimed the level of anti-social behaviour and dirty, unsafe back streets had not changed.

Chief Inspector Alan Greene, of Bolton Police, today welcomed the work of the group.

He said: "We will continue working closely with the members to ensure problems are addressed in The Haulgh."