A GOVERNMENT initiative to benefit residents in Hyndburn's most deprived wards will be launched next month.

The Keep Warm Keep Safe project, funded by neighbourhood renewal money, will involve representatives contacting and visiting homes in Church and the Central, Springhill and Barnfield wards in Accrington.

They will assess eligibility for help, including warm front grants, available through the home energy efficiency scheme, lead pipe replacement grants and other financial benefits to which the householder may be entitled.

This scheme will commence from May 28 at an official launch held at the new Hyndburn Homewise offices in Whalley Road, Accrington.

It will be attended by Hyndburn MP Greg Pope and the new mayor of the borough as well as the councillors for the four wards affected and community group representatives.

Lancashire Police and the local fire service are also involved with the scheme and will look to provide crime prevention and fire safety checks, including the installation of smoke detectors.

Everyone involved in the initiative is expected to attend the launch and there will be a full display of the grants and services available for members of the public to look into and discuss with staff.

Heather Shaw, co-ordinator for the project, said: "The project will reach out to most of the people in the centre of Accrington and we hope to achieve a one-stop visiting arrangement for these people to improve their lives in terms of housing, health and income."

Funding has has already been provided by the Government for the scheme to be carried out for two years and if it proves to be a success it will be possible to apply for the continuation of funding to improve the rest of the area.

More details on 01254 232249.