RESIDENTS from the Beech Farm estate in Sale Moor have teamed up to improve home security in the area.

For volunteer locals have been fitting spy holes and locks to windows and doors as part of a special project to benefit homeowners and tenants.

The drive is part of the radical OeMake A Difference scheme which was introduced last year by Greater Manchester Police to get locals to do positive projects in their own areas.

And the members of the Beech Farm Tenants and Residents Association were only too pleased to get involved again after having so much success with the clean-up of a local park last year.

The locals began by carrying out a survey of the 280 houses which comprise the estate to find out which houses could benefit from improved security.

They set-up a plan to fit homes with added security and enlisted the help of members of Altrincham Baptist Church and Message 2000.

Trafford youth development officer PC Richard Sinclair tells SAM: Around 60 people were involved in the project including 12 Beech Farm teenagers, seven from Altrincham Baptist Church and 15 teenagers from Message 2000.

These youngsters helped to provide the extra Oearms and legs needed to carry out the project which helped all the community join together and take part in another successful OeMake A Difference scheme.

The fitting side of the project started on August 3 and over 60 homes have been fitted with security devices so far - all completed in just six hours over three afternoons between August 4-6.

PC Sinclair adds: As a result of the enormous activity seen on the estate, eight residents from Beech Farm have come forward to volunteer their services to continue the project.

It has been great to see another successful scheme off the ground in the area and we have to thank all those who helped out such as Jacks DIY in Sale who provided the tools.