COMMUNITIES across East Lancashire today welcomed Home Office plans to boost the county's police community support officers by almost 50 per cent.

There are now 118 patrolling the streets, with another 57 on the way as part of a nationwide recruitment plan that will see an extra 1,568 CSOs in England and Wales.

Councillors and residents groups were quick to welcome the scheme and in Blackburn, Shadsworth ward Labour councillor, Jim Blackburn, said: "I welcome anything that can assist us in some of the problems in the borough. People are going to be very supportive."

Jackie McGrew, vice-chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Independent Tenants Association and chairman of Whitebirk and Intack Tenants' and Residents' Association, said it would make locals feel safer. "The presence is the most important thing - people can see someone actually walking about and have a word," she added.

And a delighted Brian Fenn, chairman of the Burnley Wood Community Action Group said: "They are an invaluable asset to the community and do a great job. Residents believe now that crime is down 75 per cent and anti-social behaviour does not exist."

Home Office Minister Hazel Blears said the Government would provide all funding for the first 15 months, followed by at least 75 per cent over 2006/7.

The cash will come from £50million put aside by Home Secretary David Blunkett this year. CSOs do not have the full range of powers of arrest and detection as full-time police officers but have a wide range of lesser powers including the right to issue fixed penalty notices for some offences and to confiscate items such as alcohol and cigarettes from young people. They can also order people to stop drinking in public and have abandoned vehicles removed.

Mrs Blears said: "Our police reform White Paper, published this month, places highly visible, accessible and accountable neighbourhood policing at the very heart of our programme to modernise the police and improve standards. Community support officers are a key element of that programme.

"They complement constables by providing highly visible patrols and focusing on low level crime and nuisance behaviour, which we know reduces fear of crime and improves quality of life.

"I am encouraged that every force in England and Wales has applied for funding, illustrating the support for CSOs and the important contribution they make to fight crime and strengthen links with the local community to increase public reassurance."