RESIDENTS on a problem Stacksteads estate are to join forces with police to crack crime.

They plan to set up a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, covering the Cutler Crescent and Cutler Lane areas, following concerns over drugs and anti-social behaviour.

The idea was first prompted at a residents' meeting at Stacksteads Drop-in Centre, in Newchurch Road, last week, when locals also called for speed humps to stop speeding bikers using the streets as a race track.

And parents asked the council for a new park for younger children.

Stacksteads councillor Christine Lamb said: "Traditionally in working class communities it's the women who are strong. The women are determined to make this estate safe and are extremely brave for making the effort. They have had enough, which has made them prepared to speak out and ask for help."

She added: "They are having problems with motorcyclists racing around the estate at dangerous speeds, problems with juvenile nuisance, drugs and the younger children have no play facilities."

Community beat manager, PC Alex Downham, urged residents to report any incidents and added: "It may seem frustrating if we don't get out straight away but all calls are logged, which gives us ammunition when we take the figures to the inspector.

"If people ring up every night with problems such as anti-social behaviour, I can prove there is a problem, which will warrant the inspector to sanction extra police resources.

"We all need to work together to help prevent and detect crime."