COMMUNITY groups are heading for a safety cash bonanza as council chiefs put up cash to make parts of Blackburn safer.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's regeneration department is urging groups to apply for Community Safety Small Grants, funded by the council's successful Single Regeneration Bid windfall they accrued two years ago.

The grants are available to community and voluntary groups in the SRB 5 area of Blackburn. Eligible areas are Infirmary, Shadsworth, Whitebirk, Audley/Queen's Park, Accrington Road and Blackburn Central.

Up to a maximum of £1,000 per project is available for schemes which support victims of crime, improve neighbourhood safety through security and safety features in the home or communal buildings such as security lighting, fencing and locks for doors and windows.

Grants are also available for projects which build community knowledge and understanding of drug issues, improve community harmony through multi cultural activities or provide youth diversion activities such as opportunities to take part in sport, culture and education.

The money must be awarded before March next year.

It is one of a number of schemes being financed by the SRB cash.

The council also launched a 'safer communities' scheme which looked at how environments could be improved to reduce crime.

As a result, trees and bushes were pruned on several estates, while better lighting has been installed.

According to a report to the borough's regeneration partnership, the improvements have already led to a reduction in crime and have made people feel safer.

Contact Phillipa Jowett on 01254 585798 for more information on the types of projects that qualify for grants.

Application forms are available from Jacqueline McMullin on 01254 587388.