TWO new schemes aimed at reducing juvenile nuisance and crime have been revealed.

Wigan and Leigh Community Safety Partnership has unveiled its Youth Action Project (YAP) and Fix It - aimed at cutting car crime and reducing the thousands of complaints local people make to the police.

The centrepiece of Fix It is a fully equipped mobile vehicle maintenance "workshop" which will visit parts of the borough identified as hot-spots for car crime.

Using the attraction of working with motor vehicles, Fix It staff will seek out known offenders and those at risk of offending, offering training in basic vehicle mechanics and maintenance.

Funded through the government's Neighbourhood Renewal programme, Fix It will also enable young people to link up with service providers including Wigan and Leigh College and Employment Training, and work towards the Duke of Edinburgh Scheme's Bronze Award in vehicle maintenance.

Cllr Keith Cunliffe, Wigan's cabinet member for community safety said: "We are determined to improve the quality of life for everybody in our communities.

"These projects will work with offenders and those at risk of offending, and provide opportunities for young people throughout the borough.

"Together, they create two new mobile facilities to help us reach people wherever they may be, perhaps as many as 300 young people."

Police Ch Supt Ian Harrison added: "My officers will tell you that juvenile nuisance is the most reported incident they have to deal with, while car crime is collectively the biggest recorded crime category.

"Fix It and YAP and have the potential to help reduce these two major areas of concern and will be fully supported by Greater Manchester Police."