RADCLIFFE residents who initially threatened to take the law into their own hands have been given a helping hand by Bury Police.

The neighbours living close to a back street, off Ainsworth Road, near the junction of Herbert Street, have now set up a Home Watch scheme.

They were also hoping to privately fund a road block to stop the street being used at night after countless attacks on their property.

But after a second successful meeting of the residents on Tuesday night (April 13), they now feel that the problem is being taken seriously by the police.

Resident Neil Howard, a 32-year-old father-of-three, said: "It was a very successful meeting, and although there were no representatives of the council there, Bury Police brought along a Home Watch package for the residents. We have now been highlighted as a crime hotspot area and feel this problem is being taken seriously."

In the past thugs have been using the back street at night and kicking and stealing cars parked behind houses and vandalising concrete garages. And the garages are thought to have asbestos panels, which when broken up, could cause a serious health hazard.

Those living nearby have continuously had to clear up the damaged property and mess left by the vandals.

Steve Clarke, the head of Radcliffe township, said: "We thought that Home Watch would be the most effective way of dealing with this problem. It gives neighbours the consent to challenge people that they are not sure about, who are using the area."