PATROLS to make Whitefield's streets safer and cleaner will continue for another year thanks to a late funding boost.

A further £160,000 has been found to keep a team of street wardens on duty in the Victoria and Hillock estates until March 2005.

The news has been welcomed by residents, who agree they have made a big difference in helping to reduce crime, the fear of crime, and improving the overall appearance of the neighbourhood.

The wardens are based on the Hillock and cover a beat which takes in 2,500 houses from 8am to 10pm, every day of the week.

The scheme started last year with funding from the Government, Bury Council and Rivers Housing Association. It was due to finish next March, but ministers have agreed to half-fund a year-long extension if the council and Rivers can find the rest. Councillors at Wednesday's (Sep 24) executive announced that the money would indeed be found.

The news has been welcomed by Hillock Estate Association of Residents and Tenants (HEART). Its chairman Eric Riley said: "It is a good scheme and the longer it runs the more effective it will be. It was obviously a new job to the wardens when they started but the difference they have made between then and now is vast."

Besses councillor Alan Matthews, who is chairman of Whitefield and Unsworth area board, said: "It has been a success. I meet the wardens quite regularly and I think the way they treat and talk to the youths has made a great improvement to the area."

Coun Matthews, however, worried where the council would get the money from once the Government funding had expired.

Hillock tenant Winnie Green also praised the work the wardens have done, especially making up Christmas hampers and introducing panic buttons for tenants.

She said: "We were sceptical about the wardens at first but I am really pleased with what they have done. I just wish the local authority would allow them to patrol the streets until midnight as that would make us all feel much safer. A lot happens after 10pm when they clock off."