COMMUNITY groups are starting up in two of Preston's most troubled estates.

The Callon Community Association and the Hopwood Triangle Tenants' Group, Deepdale, will tackle problems in the area including juvenile nuisance and 'grot spots'.

In the past, the Callon estate, off New Hall Lane, has become a 'no-go area', and organisers hope the group will help turn around its fortunes.

Joan Chapman, a founder member of the Callon group, said: "It's just what we need. We want to keep Callon tidy and cut crime by giving young people something to do in their spare time."

The Callon association is being launched at the same time as a similar group in Deepdale, covering 90 households in the Hopwood area of the city.

Both groups were officially launched this week in separate ceremonies. In Deepdale, only council property is covered. But in Callon, council tenants, Collingwood Housing Association residents and private owners will all get the chance to join.

Mrs Chapman said: "We are going to have regular clean-up days and get the children involved too. It makes them appreciate not to drop litter."

Jill Shaw, tenant participation officer for Preston City Council, said: "In Callon there's an alleyway behind the shops that is a no man's land. But with the power of the tenants' group behind them they can tackle issues like that."

The group will be setting out to run clean-ups on the estate, involving the children, and looking at issues like alleygating, where trouble spots are fenced off.

In Deepdale, the group will be looking at extra security on doors, and CCTV.

Claire Reed, of the Hopwood Triangle Tenants' Group, said: "We're only a small estate but there are still a lot of issues we need to address and it gives us a voice so we can really make a difference."