STATE-of-the-art CCTV has been installed in Little Lever to help crack down on yobs who make life a misery for residents.

A mobile camera has been installed opposite the Market Street shopping precinct as part of a pilot scheme which could lead to the installation of a hi-tech system.

It would be the first of its kind in Bolton and images could be accessed instantly - theoretically from anywhere in the world - by logging on to the network with a special code.

Ward member Cllr Sean Hornby said: "Groups of 30 to 40 young people gather around the precinct. They are aged from 10 to 18 and there is anti-social behaviour and under-age drinking going on. They have kicked and thrown stones at cars and vandalised shops.

"This CCTV is hi-tech and will help stop the problems in these particular areas."

He added: "We're negotiating with various suppliers for the best possible package and we could have at least four cameras and more if we think they are needed and can raise the money."

Cllr Hornby said the other cameras could be installed within weeks. Another camera would be sited in Mytham Road to deal with problems at Mytham Road Primary School, the Little Lever Health Centre and the park.

Vandals caused thousands of pounds of damage at the health centre on New Year's Eve, smashing 10 double-glazed windows and a set of automated doors.

Another two cameras would be moved around depending on where they were needed most.

Cllr Hornby said there was enough money to fund the package for five years, including money for two years from the Bolton Council's district improvement fund totalling £50,000 and a further £24,000 in Area Forum money.

But he added that negotiations were ongoing with the Bolton Primary Care Trust over help funding the Mytham Road camera.

Ward member Cllr Mary Woodward said: "We did a survey to find out what people in Little Lever wanted and CCTV was top of the list.

"The cameras will not solve the problems but they will be a deterrent. It will be money well spent."

Insp Chris Makin, of the Bolton South Area, said: "At this stage we will not be able to access the images continously over 24 hours because of resource implications.

"But this system has the potential to really assist us in our crime-fighting efforts and it's a boost for Little Lever."