DRUG-related crime could be a thing of the past, if a long-term vision to help improve the lives of people in Burnley is realised.

The council's Community Plan, outlining the next 20 years, was officially launched yesterday at Towneley Hall.

The ultimate vision is to ensure that within the next 20 years no one in the borough is held back due to where they live.

The plan, produced by the Burnley Action Partnership, sets the scene for the medium and long-term action needed to raise the profile of the borough and to develop a vibrant and prosperous town.

It is linked to the findings of the Task Force report into 2001's Burnley riots, and sets out four key objectives -- to become a diverse and united community, to develop a modern economy, to make Burnley a healthy, safe and clean borough and to provide high quality "joined up" services to Burnley people. It outlines how it can be achieved.

Chief executive of Burnley Council Gillian Taylor said: "The community plan provides an exciting -- but we believe achievable -- vision."

The Community Plan sets out a rvision of Burnley where people are free from the effects of drug-related crime by 2021, an aim which is backed up in the Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy with proposals to introduce improved drug treatment services in the town and step up prosecutions of drugs suppliers.

Other major proposals in the strategy include making links between colleges to improve stay-on rates and promote race relations.

It also outlines a need to develop a new health centre on the former Sainsbury's site, Yorkshire Street, and increase the number of dentists offering NHS treatment. Both plans will now go out to public consultation early next year.