HAG Fold is as safe as houses thanks to a community effort to build a barrier against crime.

Eighteen months ago residents pitched-in to build decorative metal front garden fences.

Last month they completed the last project under funding from a government grant.

Security upgrades on the Atherton estate include new press button and telephone door entry systems as part of a wider scheme of improvements for the area made possible through a £450,000 cash injection from the Single Regeneration Budget.

The Millennium cash boost has been providing improvements across the community since 2000 and virtually the whole estate has benefited.

Wigan Council's Metro Training provided eight of its trainees to work on the fences and since the project's completion they have all gone on to full time jobs with the organisation.

Wigan and Leigh's Housing Regeneration manager, Mike Sollars, said: "The improved security along with a more attractive environment will help address the fear of crime, giving people confidence to leave their homes and get involved in life here."