RACIAL harassment cases on Bolton housing estates have decreased dramatically compared with this time last year - despite fears that the American war on terrorism could create more problems.

The figures have delighted Bolton Council's racial officers, who were expecting an increase in abuse following September 11.

Bolton's Racial Equality Council also report improvements - they do not have specific figures for harassment as they deal with a wide range of cases - but stress they are not being complacent.

The local authority is currently dealing with 15 families who are being victimised -- five less than at the end of October last year.

But there is evidence to suggest that the majority of incidents go unreported.

Jeff Smethurst, deputy director of housing, said: "It is good news and we have been incredibly pleased that there has not been a surge of cases since September 11.

"But a lot of people are very frightened by racial abuse and do not report incidents for fear of retribution.

"We have been taking a very proactive approach and would encourage anyone who feels they are being racially harassed to contact us.

"A lot of cases involve young people and matters can be resolved just by a visit to see their parents. Issues with neighbours are much more difficult and it is then usually about us collecting evidence, putting it to the perpetrators and explaining the consequences. We also have a mediation service but that requires both parties to cooperate."

Harassment in Bolton has included verbal abuse, damage to property, physical assaults and threatening behaviour.

From April 1, 2000 to March 31, 2001 there were 25 cases reported to the council.

Of 25 victims, 18 were Asian or mixed race Asian, three African-Caribbean, two white and the rest from other minority groups.

Officially recorded were 41 incidents of verbal abuse, 12 of missiles being launched at the victims, four of threatening behaviour, four of physical assault, seven incidents of damage to property and 27 incidents of other anti-social behaviour including graffiti, door knocking and dog fouling. These cases have now all been resolved.

Since the council's racial harassment team was set up only one family has been prosecuted and evicted from their property.

Some councillors feel that the problems are still all to real to too many of the town's families and the figures really are just the tip of the iceberg.

Deane-Cum-Heaton councillor Alan Rushton says a man in his area has suffered years of hell and where a lot of good work is being done, there is a need for more.

"There is a great improvement at which we are extremely pleased, but there are people, isolated cases, who must feel quite aggrieved by this and continue to suffer," said Cllr Rushton.

Director of Bolton Racial Equality Council Zahida Hussain, said: "Asylum seekers at the moment, for example, are more concerned with vouchers and getting their children into school than reporting incidents of racial harassment," she said.

"The figures are improving but we must carry on the and encourage people to come forward because so many cases go unreported."

The Racial Equality Council can be contacted on 331002 and Bolton Council's housing department can be contacted on 335752.