ELDERLY people and victims of crime in areas of Burnley will benefit from security packages as part of a new home maintenance scheme.

The Home Maintenance Project, which is part of the Anchor Staying Put not-for-profit charity, was officially launched yesterday at the Burnley Business Centre, in Bank Parade.

Homeowners in the Single Regeneraltion Budget 6 areas of Burnley will also be able to get free help and advice to identify repairs and maintain their homes.

The project team are also looking at offering a tool loan scheme, a telephone helpline and basic DIY workshops.

The Mayor of Burnley, Councillor Lillian Clarke, attended the launch, as well as Collette Duncan who talked about her experience as one of the first customers of the project and Coun Carole Galbraith who explained how the project links in with local strategies to improve communities.

Coun Galbraith said: "Over the last ten years Anchor Staying Put has helped the borough council to successfully deliver a programme of improving the quality of life of very vulnerable people in our borough.

"One of the hardest things the council has had to accept is that the resources it can make available for grants to help people renovate their homes is inadequate, especially in the environment in which we now operate.

"This project will help raise awareness among residents and help people to identify what works may be required and where appropriate referring people onto government agencies for energy grants to ensure that work is carried out.

"The Home Maintenance Project will provide security packages which will help victims of crime and the over 55s to protect against domestic burglary and help alleviate their fear of crime." Lynne Ellacott, project co-ordinator said: "The overall aim of the Home Maintenance Project is to provide peace of mind to homeowners by helping them to have maintenance work carried out on their home by reliable trades people and saving them money at the same time."

The project offers help assessing the condition of a property, offers list of reliable contractors, giving advice about how to keep homes warm, dry and safe, gives advice about home security and Warm Front grants and offers a discount on electrical tool hire.