HOUSING chiefs have pledged to make Bolton's council estates "bully-free" zones. They are extending a pioneering anti-bullying programme from schools and on to the streets. The scheme - called the Peer Mediation Project - received a £145,000 boost from the National Lottery.

It aims to train children as young as seven how to combat bullying.

Mr Jeff Smethurst, assistant director of housing, said: "We have had one or two cases of bullying and we felt it would be a good idea to make use of this scheme.

"The idea is for children to talk to their peers about bullying and get used to sorting problems out between themselves."

The scheme also has the support of social services, the probation service and the police.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that there were 200 enquiries for the council's neighbour dispute service in 1995-96.

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