Trafford Council is to invest an extra £500,000 into improving community safety and tackling crime.

The announcement follows a multi-agency two-week Beat Sweep' operation in the Clifford ward earlier this month (March), in response to concerns about an increase in gun and gang activity.

A council spokeswoman said final plans are to be confirmed in the new financial year but - despite the money being identified for investment borough wide - it looks like initial projects will focus on Old Trafford.

Ayres Road - that runs through the Clifford, Longford and Talbot Wards, close to Old Trafford Cricket Ground and Seymour Park - receives special attention.

A help point - linked to the council's 24-hour CCTV control room - has been installed on the road after concerns that it had become a robbery hotspot'.

During the last two years about £60,000 has already been spent on alley gating' for streets off Ayres Road.

Now the pilot scheme will be rolled out across Old Trafford with new funding earmarked for the gating of alleyways in nearby neighbourhoods experiencing crime.

Messenger understands about a dozen new CCTV cameras will also be installed in the area as the council enters into a new partnership arrangement with Manchester council, with their control rooms sharing surveillance images.

The council has also announced it will invest in improved security in its car parks and intends to recruit more street crime patrollers.

"These measures have been selected to help provide security and reassurance to residents and businesses enabling them to go about their lives without fear," said executive member for community safety, Councillor Mike Whetton.

"Additionally, I would urge residents to formally report incidents of crime to the police because reporting crime statistics helps us to target resources."

To report incidents of anti-social behaviour and low level nuisance residents can phone the Traffordwatch helpline on 0161 912 1111 or for more serious incidents phone Trafford police on 0161 872 5050.