A STREET improvement team aims to make Leigh a more attractive place in which to live.

Priorities of the new Wigan Council 'street scene' team include targeting litter, graffiti, dog fouling, local grotspots and working on pavement maintenance.

Landscaping and street lighting are also high on the agenda.

Team members hope to improve co-ordination between council services and they will focus on four 'street scene action areas' in the borough each year.

Target areas will be chosen on the basis of independent surveys of cleanliness, or to support the Council's regeneration programmes.

Street scene co-ordinator Paul Dandy said: "We want to work with residents to make the borough a more attractive place to live -- and we are looking forward to the challenge."

Consultation with local communities will help the team to identify what people want for their area.

Worsley Mesnes in Wigan will be the first area to benefit from the new approach.

For more information contact Paul Dandy on 01942 705244. Anyone wanting help to carry out environmental improvements in their area can ring People and Places manager Nick Burdekin on 01942 404390.

People and Places Grants of up to £1,500 are available for community groups who wish to undertake environmental improvements in their local area.