BURY'S fight to eradicate racism has been given a significant boost.

Residents scared by racial harassment will now have many more professional Bury Council staff to turn to.

More than 100 staff, with support from the police, have been trained to make sure they know what to do when complaints are made.

As a result, residents can now report incidents of racism at any of the council's cash offices in the borough. These are at Bury Town Hall, Chesham, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Whitefield, Tottington and Ramsbottom.

Councillor John Byrne, council leader, said that help was also available through the social services and housing department, and organisations including the police, probation service, Bury College and Bury Metro Racial Equality Council.

"Racism often starts off as small things, the odd word or a bit of graffiti, but if it is not nipped in the bud it can quickly escalate to frightening proportions," he said.

"Tenants on our council estates and residents across the borough now have someone they can turn to quickly and get the help they need.

"Racism in Bury may not be at the level of some other communities, but we are determined to do what we can to stamp it out whenever it appears."

The council's staff have been trained to know what procedures to follow and what advice and support is available to help those who believe they are victims of racial harassment. It should mean a speedier assessment of complaints and, if necessary, the police can be involved sooner.

Mr Mohammed Ayub, community safety manager, said: "By expanding the opportunities for racist incidents to be reported, we believe that it will allow such matters to be dealt with at an early stage. This will then prevent them getting out of control.

"If we can do that it will make our community a safer place for all who live in it."