TELEVISION screens that will broadcast community safety information and advice will be switched on in Burnley next week.

The hi-tech scheme aimed at cutting crime and making the borough a safe place to live is being launched by BBC Crimewatch UK presenter Nick Ross on Tuesday.

Using the latest broadband technology, it will also broadcast information on Burnley Council services, news, sport and weather.

The Big Brother-style scheme would see up to 10 screens, costing £6,000 each, are going up in cafes at Asda and Tesco, Cath's bus station cafe, McDonald's, in St James's Street, Brun House, Burnley General Hospital outpatients department, Padiham medical centre, Gala Bingo and the council's benefits and taxation hall, in Parker Lane.

Rolling programmes up to 40 minutes will be shown and can be updated at just 10 minutes' notice.

The service will be run by the borough's Community Safety Partnership, which involves a range of public and private organisations including the council and the emergency services.

Councillor Linda Gauton, executive member for public protection and community safety, said: "This is an exciting and innovative way of getting information and advice on some important issues across to a large number of people.

"It also gives the council the chance to publicise the work it is doing and highlight some of the things that are going on in the borough that perhaps some people aren't aware of.

"I hope people will take the time to stop and see what is on the screens - it should be interesting to watch."

Funds to set up the scheme and run it for a year have been met by a grant from the Home Office and money from the council and the Community Safety Partnership

The partnership enlisted a Lancashire firm, Crimewise Ltd, to install the system after hearing of a similar one in Easington, County Durham, last year. It will be the first of its kind in Lancashire.

Further funding to continue the programme beyond a year will be sought if the initiative is judged to be a success.