COMMUNITIES in Atherton will be given a greater say in how local crime and anti-social behaviour issues are dealt with.

The neighbourhood resolution panel is being rolled out following its success in Marsh Green 2012.

It gives residents, including victims, the opportunity to decide how low level crimes, including theft, assault, anti-social behaviour, are dealt with and how those responsible can make amends.

The panels are made up of volunteers who are trained to oversee meetings between victims and perpetrators.

Cllor Kevin Anderson, cabinet member for safer communities at Wigan Council, said: “The Marsh Green panel has been a massive success and so "I’m pleased that this approach will roll out across the rest of the borough. The approach helps victims to come to terms with the crime committed against them, while encouraging the offender to take responsibility and make amends for their behaviour — elping to reduce the reoffending rate.”

The scheme is aimed at young people, aged between ten and 17 years-old, who come to the attention of the police or other services for the first time in relation to low level crime, low level anti-social behaviour and community disputes. The aim is to prevent young people from committing a crime later on in life.

Anyone interested in volunteering can get more information by emailing atrestorativesolutions@wigan.gcsx.gov.uk.