A BOLTON woman who has played a significant role in helping to combat crime in Halliwell has been shortlisted for a top award.

Ella Paul, co-ordinator of a Home Watch Scheme, has been selected as one of 11 divisional finalists in this year's Greater Manchester Police Home Watch awards.

The overall winner of the scheme will be announced at a Home Watch Conference at Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music on Saturday.

Ella has been a Home Watch Co-ordinator for 14 years, supported by two deputies, and for the last 10 years has held the position of secretary of a local residents' association.

She also helped to establish a youth group at Zion Baptist Church for children aged from eight to 14. The group was awarded £1,000 from Bolton Leisure Services which enabled Ella to obtain table tennis equipment, snooker tables and football games.

In her role as home watch co-ordinator she has been instrumental in installing road "humps" around her area which has had a significant success in helping to combat car crime and building high fencing around the perimeter of homes to provide better security for residents.

A residents "surgery" set up by Ella at the local community centre also meets twice a week enabling residents to air their views.

The annual awards scheme is aimed at honouring people who have made a difference in reducing the fear of crime and have helped to improve the quality of life for residents.

Chief Constable David Wilmot said: "GMP has not lost sight of the important role which Home Watch Schemes play in partnership with ourselves. I have great admiration for those who give their time and energy in supporting this initiative.

"In undertaking crime prevention activities, Home Watch has become one of the most practical methods in the development of partnerships, not only with the community but with other agencies."

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