SOME of the most deprived areas in East Lancashire are set to receive a cash boost to help them fight crime and tackle health issues.

Six areas in the county will receive government funding for their Local Strategic Partnerships.

The cash will help tackle local crime, health, housing, employment and education problems.

The Partnerships are made up of local residents, councillors, business leaders and community leaders to decide how money should be spent in some of the most deprived wards in the borough.

The Hyndburn Partnership has so far been responsible for winning funding to redevelop Accrington Market.

The Blackburn with Darwen Strategic Partnership will receive up to £3.25million over the coming financial year as part of a £9.75million allocation over three years.

Hyndburn First will get up to £970,000 as part of a £2.9million allocation, while the Burnley Action Partnership will receive £955,000 as part of its £2.87million allocation. The Pendle Partnership is set to get up to £1.47million over the coming financial year as part of an allocation of £4.4million over the next three years.

Bill Taylor, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council said it would benefit people's lives. And he pledged that the partnership will continue to fight for more funding.

He said: "Organisations have a good record of working with the local community through its community strategy, regeneration partnerships and other initiatives."

And chairman of Hyndburn First, and leader of Hyndburn Council, Peter Britcliffe, said: "I am delighted the Government has recognised what Hyndburn First has achieved.

Barry Kilby, chairman of Burnley Football Club, said: "I am impressed with both the quality and the range of people it involves."