A LOCAL community organisation claimed the murder of teenage prostitute Carly Bateman could, and should, have been prevented.

A spokesman for The Haulgh Community Partnership says the group has campaigned for the last six months for urgent action to be taken, including a higher level of police presence. The spokesman added: "Requests for closed circuit television and the removal of phone boxes at the centre of the drug and prostitution trades have been ignored.

"We were all very shocked by Carly Bateman's death, but not surprised. A tragedy like this was both predictable and preventable. For many years, residents have had good reason to complain at the way prostitution and drug use impinges on their daily lives.

"We feel that the issue has not been taken seriously enough by the Greater Manchester Police or the Local Authority. We are trying to redevelop Yhe Haulgh, particularly the Victorian part, as an area in which it is fit to bring up families. Carly Bateman has paid the ultimate price for working in the sex industry.

"Other girls are also jeopardising their health and well-being in different ways. Residents suffer too. If agencies do not work together to penalise those who exploit the situation, and don't create alternatives for young people with drug habits, then the suffering will doubtless continue."

In a separate move security has been stepped up at Bolton Institute's Chadwick campus following the weekend murder of Carly.

In a bid to allay the fears of students Institute authorities, after consulting with the Student's Union, have ordered extra security patrols.

Worried students and staff members have been contacting the Institute authorities and the Students' Union with concerns about their safety.

The teenage girl's body was dumped in a back alley off Crawford Avenue right next to the college building where up to 1,000 students study.