A NEW strategy to tackle drug abuse, anti-social behaviour and violent crime in Burnley has been launched.

Burnley's Community Safety Partnership aims to reduce domestic burglaries by 34 percent by 2005, introducing new measures to improve night-time safety in Burnley Town Centre by March 2003 and reduce the number killed or seriously injured in road traffic accidents by 40 percent by 2005.

Launching the scheme at Turf Moor yesterday, chair of the Burnley Community Safety Partnership Councillor Charles Bullas said: "The Community Safety Strategy is all about building a brighter, safer future for all our local communities by addressing the crime and disorder issues which are of most concern to local residents."

The partnership consists of Burnley Borough Council, Lancashire Constabulary's Pennine Division, Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Burnley, Pendle & Rossendale Primary Care Trust and others. The document lays out plans to cut out drug abuse, anti-social behaviour, property crime, violent crime, alcohol misuse and deals with road safety.

The Partnership compiled their strategy after analysing crime statistics and questionnaires sent to local groups and organisations.

It also used the Burnley Task Force's questionnaire results as a basis. After the riots last June, the body set up to examine the cause sent out forms to 45,000 homes in the borough.

Chair of the Burnley Task Force Lord Tony Clarke, said: "I am supportive of the Burnley Crime and Disorder Strategy and extremely pleased that it takes into account the recommendations of the Burnley Task Force report."

Pennine Division's Chief Superintendent John Knowles, said: "Crime and disorder is something which affects us all and it is imperative that we work together if we are to find sustainable, long-term solutions to local crime and disorder issues.

"This new strategy will go a long way towards helping us achieve our objectives and build a better Burnley for all sectors of the community.