A NEW hotline has been launched today for people to "shop a yob".

Residents will be able to use the number to give confidential information on louts and vandals making their lives a misery.

They are being encouraged to report incidents or give the names of people causing problems in their communities.

Bolton is one of 49 areas across the country chosen by the Home Office to take part in the "It's Your Call" campaign.

The hotline - 0845 605 2222 - is being launched by BSAFE, the Safer Bolton Strategic Partnership, which was set up to help reduce crime and disorder in the borough.

It will make it easier for local people to report anti-social behaviour and help them access services aimed at tackling problems such as nuisance neighbours, vandalism or graffiti.

Posters advertising the actionline number will be displayed throughout Bolton and residents will also receive flyers though their letterboxes informing them about the service.

If any action is taken as a result of residents' calls, they will receive follow-up cards explaining what was done.

Cllr Barbara Ronson, leader of Bolton Council, said: "At Bolton Council we believe in partnership working, not only between key agencies but also with the people and communities of Bolton.

"BSAFE already ensures that key agencies such as the council, local police, the Fire and Rescue Service, Probation and the Primary Care Trust, work together to tackle and reduce crime and improve life in Bolton.

"Local communities can now have a greater say in how they are governed and policed, and join with us in making life better for everyone who visits and lives, works and studies in Bolton."

Home Office Minister and Salford MP Hazel Blears said: "We have made good progress in tackling the unacceptable behaviour of the minority of people and reclaiming our communities for the law-abiding majority.

"We have brought in a whole range of tools that are aimed at improving and modifying anti-social behaviour from acceptable behaviour contracts to parenting orders, providing the means and the expertise for police and local agencies to improve our communities and the lives of the people in them."