ALMOST £3million is on the way to tackle crime and improve public services in deprived areas of Burnley.

Government funding of £2.8m will go to Burnley Borough Council's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund for projects in Barclay, Bankhall, Trinity and Daneshouse.

Earlier this year, 50 organisations responsible for delivering services submitted proposals for funding. Burnley qualifies for the massive windfall because it is one of the country's most deprived local authorities.

Councillor Steve Wolski, executive member for urban regeneration said: "Neighbourhood Renewal Funding will help to kick start target areas of crime, health, housing, education and employment. All the projects must be sustainable, making it a very important funding for the future of Burnley."

Target areas are the zones the Government has identified as key concerns for tackling deprivation.

Approximately £1,399,467 of the £2.8m will be allocated in the first year of the programme.

In the future, public, private, voluntary and community sectors in Burnley will create a Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) which will be responsible for ensuring that services provided to the public are as effective as possible.

About £75,000 of the first year funding will be spent on research which will enable the LSP to have up to date information on employment and housing issues within the borough.

One of those set to benefit from the windfall is Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service which has been awarded £10,000 to launch a training scheme for 12-18 year-olds.

Cadets at Burnley Fire Station will be trained in first aid, fire awareness, physical fitness and health and safety. It is hoped the scheme will reduce crime and tackle juvenile nuisance.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Cadets will take skills into adult life and possibly be involved in community initiatives resulting in the reduction of crime.

"he fire service has always believed that 'prevention is better than cure' and has developed many ways of introducing the fire safety message to all age groups.

"The Fire Service is committed to tackling these problems and reducing arson, hoax calls and fatalities by significant targets each year. These reductions can only be achieved by educating the community to be safer and more responsible regarding fire."