VOLUNTEERS are being sought by Bury Council to spy on the condition of its housing estates.

The council is recruiting a team of "mystery shoppers", comprised of home owners, private renters and council tenants, to help pinpoint areas which need improvements.

In the next round of checks, shoppers will be sent out to look at the condition of estates, grass cutting, graffiti and litter.

Marcus Connor, service manager for strategy, planning and research, said: "These exercises give us vital information on how our services perform from a customer's point of view, enabling us to put things right if they aren't working. Other councils have found these exercises to be very useful."

The council has produced a poster asking for volunteers, which is being translated into various languages.

Interested people should contact Barbara Shelton or Mirren Hunter on 253 7573.

The exercises will be planned to fit around shoppers' lives and travel expenses will be reimbursed.