BLACKBURN with Darwen Council is calling on residents to help the authority meet tough new targets in return for extra government funding for services.

The council was one of the first in the country to enter into the new Public Service Agreement with central government and a deal based around key targets was drawn up.

If the council meets these targets it will receive around £3.75 million of extra government funding to provide better services for residents.

Now Coun Gail Barton, executive member for resources, is urging the public to "do their bit" and help the council deliver its part of the contract.

Targets include:

Reducing serious and fatal accidents by 25 per cent and the number of children killed or badly injured cut by 75 per cent. People can help by cutting their speed.

Getting 7,000 residents into school for learning activities. New courses are being offered to entice all ages into the classroom.

Slashing the number of children who end up with criminal convictions. Youth panels are being set up to help.

Increasing the number of young people using the library, with parents being asked to get their children involved.

Getting more people to vote. It needs to rise above 40 per cent and people are urged to get out and vote.

Promoting recycling so that the amount of waste recycled rises from 10 per cent to 22 per cent. People are asked to recycle paper via their roadside collection and disposes of glass in recycling centres.

For more details see the website, at www.council. blackburnworld.com/psa