RESIDENTS fed up with anti-social behaviour in their area, set up a self-help group to tackle the problems.

Two years on, the work of the Astley and Tyldesley Residents' Association Ltd, which incorporates Home Watch, has paid off.

Now the MD and secretary, Elsa Lavin, has decided to step down because of work commitments and ill health -- and new faces are needed to help run the organisation.

A letter was recently sent out to 2,500 homes in the area by the Twin Wards Risk management Group, a partnership of Wigan Council and Greater Manchester Police, which highlighted problems of juvenile nuisance.

Its aim was to raise awareness of this among parents of young people in the vicinity.

It described the towns as becoming a problem area with letters in newspapers consistently describing the growth of the yob culture in the area.

But the Association says the only solutions to these problems have to be found from within the area with local people working to solve them.

The residents have been active from the outset and have found real success in improving the vicinity.

The group has 80 members, with an Astley office in Ely Drive, but now needs newcomers to help run the organisation.

Elsa said: "Individuals do not have to have a lot of experience and do not have to commit a lot of time. Enthusiasm and a desire to make Astley and Tyldesley a place to be proud of is more than enough.

"What we need is someone with vision. Most of the work has been done, but new support will make a difference.

"What this area needs is a community centre and we need someone willing to work towards that goal."

Anyone interested should contact the office on 01942 203134 or leave a message on 01942 896779.