WESTLEIGH residents will benefit from Government funding earmarked for improving traffic.

A scheme aiming to improve residents quality of life in an area covering of 160 houses around Browning Street has been allocated a slice of the Home Zone Challenge Fund.

The houses are mainly blocks of terraced houses with small front gardens and the aims of the project are wide ranging, including creating safer streets, improvements to the street scene and community involvement.

There was strong competition for the fund, with the government receiving bids for 237 scheme with a value of more than £115 million -- almost four times the £30 million available to award.

Leigh MP Andy Burnham said: "It's good to see Leigh residents beat off strong competition from other areas to secure this funding from the Government.

"Even small-scale improvements can improve quality of life for residents and make an area feel more secure."