A GREAT Lever estate could soon be under the watchful eye of the lens.

Bolton Council's housing department has applied for planning permission to install CCTV cameras in the Paulhan Street area.

The Government has been awarded £210,000 to install cameras to cut down crime and vandalism.

The cameras, mounted on steel columns will be erected at the junction of Hamel Street and Morrison Street, Hinkler Avenue and Hawker Avenue, Paulhan Street and Leonard Street, Paulhan Street and Cobhan Avenue and Dunbar Drive.

Cllr Margaret Clare welcomed news the council is pressing ahead with the camera scheme.

She said: "The residents have been trying for nearly three years to get cameras.

"I'm pleased that they are going ahead so quickly."