POLICE visited 1,200 homes as part of a community clean-up in Farnworth.

Officers from the Bolton South Neighbourhood Policing Team launched a community Beat Sweep this week in a bid to solve ongoing issues and problems.

As part of the week long operation police, along with Bolton Council’s Food and Hygiene Department and Trading Standards made visits to all licensed premises, including pubs and take-aways, to make sure they were fulfilling their responsibilities.

They also visited 1,200 homes along with retail and commercial properties to provide crime prevention and fire prevention advice following an increase in deliberate bin fires in the area.

Sgt Steve Baldam said: “This Beat Sweep is about police engaging with the community, listening to their concerns and then using that information to help improve the quality of life for all our residents.”

A Community Day was held in New Bury yesterday and police provided a mini bus for residents from Farnworth town centre to travel to and from the community centre in Buckley Lane.

Police have also conducted a number sof street surgeries throughout the week in the Farnworth area, which saw an increase in patrols of mounted officers and Police Community Support Officers.

As part of the operation officers reviewed security and increased crime prevention measures in the Orchards School, in Highfield Road, after they were identified as being hotspots for anti-social behaviour and criminal damage.