VIGILANTES have threatened to move in to clean-up Westleigh yobs' act.

But neither Police nor fed-up residents' champion Cath McGregor are backing muscle power menaces.

Crime fighter Cath next week aims to pack-in her post as chairman of Westleigh Tenants' and Residents' Association because of in-fighting.

Birch Road mum Cath took the lead to form the Association after being burgled and chose to stand-up and fight for the right to enjoy a trouble free existence.

Initially her movement enjoyed huge community backing but she's stepping down from the hot seat in disgust at the apathy which has resulted in a slide in attendance at meetings.

The final straw came when only a dozen turned up at the last meeting at St Paul's Labour Club.

Explained Cath:"I've decided to quit because of apathy and unfair criticism. People must realise the only way decent people can win is to stick together and go by the book.

"We formed the association to beat the wrong 'uns, now we've ended-up squabbling among ourselves. The yobs must really be laughing. It's one thing to fight the villains but we don't need to battle with each other.

"People have said they will form a vigilante group to sort out problems.

"I must say I can see their point but anyone doing so runs the risk of falling foul of the law themselves.

"We had good relations with the Police and the Council - vigilante groups won't help.

"I regret that my quitting means all we have achieved is going to get lost. I'm hoping somebody else will step in to take over."

Leigh Police Superintendent David Edge said he frowned on the idea of vigilante patrols in the area.

He said: "I couldn't condone anybody taking the law into their own hands."

Supt Edge commended Cath McGregor's efforts over the past few months and said he hoped a successor could be found to continue the Association's work.

He said:"I'm very sorry she is going. She has been an inspiration to others and done some sterling work.

"The way forward is a properly constituted and run tenants' association. I just hope Cath's good work is continued."

VOLUNTEERS to fill the vacancy should attend the next Association meeting on Tuesday at 7.30 at St Paul's Labour Club.

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