WORK starts this weekend on reducing burglary and crime and improving life on Tyldesley's Shakerley estate.

The public launch of a government initiative takes place at the Cumberland Avenue Community Centre on Saturday, August 21, at 6pm.

It could mean targeting known burglars, strengthening neighbourhood watch schemes, building profiles of offenders, forming anti-burglary task groups and crime prevention campaigns.

It will be included in two Celebrate Your Community days starting on Friday at 1pm.

The estate received a grant of £60,000, one of 29 similar schemes across the nation, announced in May by Home Secretary Jack Straw.

Wigan Mayoress and Shakerley Councillor Evelyne Smith said: "Residents will be encouraged to take part and sign up for the action.

"Now we have some money to spend on improving life in the community. Possible ways forward include the purchase of security equipment, better locks, CCTV equipment and other ideas that people come up with.

"As Jack Straw said in his speech 'Burglary is a sickening experience. For some the feeling of violation can remain for ever. And yet we know that where there is a concerted effort by the police in partnership with local councils, we can make a difference.'"

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