A SCHEME to cut crime and target anti-social behaviour on some of Bolton's most deprived housing estates is being launched.

A community safety co-ordinator is to be appointed to reduce crime and disorder in Breightmet, Tonge, the Haulgh, Hall i'th' Wood and parts of Darcy Lever and Burnden.

The new "officer" will attempt to cut burglaries by 10 per cent and reduce anti-social behaviour -- two of the biggest concerns of residents.

Business leaders and residents joined councillors to agree the plan drawn up after a survey of local people.

The co-ordinator has not yet been appointed and people with extensive community safety experience are being invited to apply.

The post, with an annual salary of £22,000 to £26,000, is being advertised.

Local resident Jack Holt, said: "The co-ordinator will be working with local people and community groups to reduce the number of crimes, including domestic burglaries, and to support our community safety initiatives. We need to work together to find ways to make life safer and free from crime. Involving our local communities is a key element in that process." "East Bolton Regeneration aims to give local people the support they need to become involved in taking responsibility for community safety and crime reduction in our own area."

Cllr Frank White, Chairman of the East Bolton Regeneration Partnership, said: "We want people in these communities whose lives are affected by crime and anti-social behaviour, to experience a measurable improvement in their quality of life.

"We expect domestic burglaries to be reduced by 10% through this initiative."

The survey, carried out by the government-funded scheme, showed that residents had a high concerns about the scale of anti-social behaviour by young people.

After more police officers on the beat, local residents thought the best action would be to have more facilities for young people.

Cllr White said: "Through other groups, we are looking at developing more activities and facilities for young people which would help to relieve crime and disorder.

"The Community Safety Co-ordinator will also be looking at ways we spend existing resources and ways to bring more money into the area to develop other initiatives which local people want."

Mr Holt added: "This project will act as a model for community-led safety initiatives which could become a blueprint for other areas in the borough."