THE chairman of a self-help residents' group is urging more families to band together to tackle crime in their area.

George Robinson, co-founder of Leigh's successful Palatine Square Residents' and Homewatch Tenants' Association, would like to see more organisations set up to make life safer for families.

The Firs Lane scheme was instigated four years ago after raiders robbed two elderly women neighbours.

As a result residents met to discuss what action they could take to tighten up on security.

Now they sleep easily in their beds thanks to seven CCTV cameras operating 24 hours a day on the small estate.

George said: "We're a go-ahead lot here, we don't mess about. After the robberies we went to County Palatine, who own the homes, to see what they could do. They were brilliant and erected new fences, so were the council who improved lighting.

"We got a grant from the Coalfield Challenge for the cameras which keep watch on the 74 homes in Palatine Square, Cowper Street and Moresby Close. Every minute of the day we can see what is going on.

"Most of the people here are elderly and it is now a sought after area in which to live. It's nice and quiet. We have outdoor seating on which residents can come out and have a chat, and we have our own greenhouse in which we grow our own plants for the communal garden. It's brilliant.

"More people should stand up for themselves and set up homewatch associations. A lot fear reprisals and being targeted by criminals and it's a pity really because they are just ruining their own lives."

George, a former miner, ex-landlord of the Ring O'Bells at Westleigh and former steward of Leigh British Legion, now lives happily in busy retirement in the go-ahead square.

He is also chairman of the Firs Renewal group, sits on the board of County Palatine and is a member of the Arms Length Management Organisation which deals with housing.

He said: "We raise money by asking new tenants for £3 contributions and organising car boot sales. If other people decide to act for themselves I am sure they will find it worthwhile in the end."