A SCHEME costing £500,000 and aimed at cutting criminal attacks on Burnley's businesses by five per cent has been launched.

The Business Improvement Programme will last three years and could include CCTV installation, fencing, security patrols and alarms.

Businesses in the Daneshouse, Bank Hall, Barclay, Trinity, Fulledge, Brunshaw and parts of Coal Clough with Deerplay, Rosehill and Queensgate areas, which have been identified as having the highest crime rates, will be able to apply for grants of up to £20,000.

Scheme bosses are hoping the cash will help at least 30 businesses over the next three years afte its launch in the autumn.

Coun Denis Otter, an executive member on Burnley Council, said: "This provides an excellent opportunity for businesses to benefit from funding which will help make their premises safer. It will generate a greater level of confidence among the business community and, hopefully, lead to further business investment that will create prosperous and safer communities."

The project will aim for a reduction in crime, especially vandalism and arson; an improved and safer environment and increased businesss confidence.

The cash, £241,000, is part of a pot of more than £7m to help reduce crime in the borough awarded last year. It will be supplemented by £232,000 of private sector funds.

Burnley was one of 11 towns and cities in the UK to receive an award from the Urban 2 Programme, which specifically provides funding for the economic and social improvement of small and medium-sized towns and cities.

Victims Support Lancashire was also one of the groups to benefit. It was given £37,611 to pay for a victim liaison officer who, as well as supporting victims and recruiting volunteers, will work with the Youth Offending Team to set up mediation meetings between the victims and the perpetrators of crime.

For more details about the grant programme contact Kath Hudson or Paul Gill on 01282 477312 or 477319.