TEENAGERS and youngsters in Whitefield could soon be offered a job patrolling the streets where they live.

The success of the recently launched street wardens scheme for the Hillock and Victoria Lanes estates has prompted plans for a junior version.

The adult uniformed task force was introduced to the two estates last month as a result of Home Office funding, thanks to a joint bid by Bury Council and Rivers Housing Association.

Five neighbourhood-friendly wardens have now completed their training and can be seen patrolling the streets.

Their aim is to help tackle crime, reduce the fear of crime, clean up environmental hot spots and identify anti-social behaviour.

And the group have already made their mark by arranging for a group of elderly residents to receive personal safety alarms with funding from Whitefield and Unsworth Area Board.

Now the Council is looking to extend the scheme to include younger members of the community.

The Junior Street Wardens Scheme received the go-ahead this week for £2,000 kickstart funding from the area board in order to set up.

It is planned that the project, which will also bid for £1,000 from the Home Office, will cover the Hillock and Victoria Lane estates, as with the adult wardens, and will engage children and young people in environmental and community activities.

Activities will include litter picks, clean-up days and gardening chores for vulnerable residents and participants of the scheme will be awarded points which can be exchanged for rewards such as outward bound trips and activities.

The project will work closely with Youth Works, which is already working in this area providing support to young people.

A partnership between the area board, the youth service and Groundwork, Youth Works has recently completed a successful summer programme for over 11-year-olds and has been involved in getting the views from young people about the Home Zone scheme.