FICTITIOUS people are being used to help halt a worrying exodus from Salford.
Helen, Brian and John are made-up characters in a blueprint aimed at transforming the city.
It is hoped the proposals and targets in the plan will help improve services and encourage people to want to live and work in the area.
In recent years, up to 2,000 people a year have been moving out of Salford, especially from inner city districts. The city's current population is 225,950.
The three characters have been created to illustrate how public and private agencies like the council, the university, the police, the NHS, companies and voluntary organisations need to work more closely than ever to meet people's needs.
They feature in a glossy document called ''Our Vision for Salford'', which sets out plans for the next five years.
Real-life situations
All three mirror real-life situations in the city. Helen is a 33-year-old lone parent with two young children. She is worried about the level of crime and vandalism in her neighbourhood and is increasingly alarmed about the growing number of empty houses.
She has tried to sell her house without success, but cannot afford her mortgage repayments.
The plan explains how Helen can be helped by agencies working together.
Brian is a 17-year-old criminal living on one of the most deprived estates. Residents regard him as public enemy No.1 and the council is about to issue an anti-social behaviour order against him.
But the ''Let's Get Serious'' project aimed at diverting young men away from crime, increasing their expectations and instilling personal discipline helps Brian and he responds well.
John, 11, attends an inner city primary, where he is a talented pupil but a target for bullies.
The document explains how education welfare officers and a special needs co-ordinator can take action to make sure he is not ''singled out'' in a way that might cause resentment to others.
- The document is available in libraries, or free of charge from the Strategy and Resources Section, City of Salford, Swinton, Salford M27 5FJ.