Computer scheme latest in line of pilot projects A PIONEERING scheme to bring thousands of computers to Blackburn homes is the latest in a line of successful pilot projects the town has managed to secure.

And Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw put it down to the excellence of Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Mr Straw said he encouraged applications for pioneering trials but took no part in any decisions on whether Blackburn should succeed in their bids.

He admitted that Blackburn with Darwen had been very successful in both Home Office and other pilots but so he could take no responsibility for their success.

Mr Straw added: "I am delighted by it. But its not down to me. It shows what an excellent and innovative council Blackburn with Darwen is. It has won a number of Home Office pilot schemes, but it has also won similar projects elsewhere in government, notably from education, we only have to look at the recent Ofsted report praising the local authority's schools. I certainly encourage them to make applications, but I don't make any decisions."

"Because it's Blackburn I take no part in any Home Office procedures to award pilot schemes.Their success is all to do with their excellent applications."

The computer scheme, launched on Thursday, will see more than 2,500 homes fitted with computers starting in the summer. Backed by the council, the initial bid came from the umbrella group Blackburn East Area Community Help (BEACH) -- made up of 11 different community associations.

Other pilot schemes secured by the town include the Arrest Referral Scheme, which led to £1million in extra funding allowed for similar projects across all six police divisions in East Lancashire.

Radio Lancashire's Darwen Street offices were the first in the country to be transformed into a Learning Zone, complete with hi-tech equipment, officially opened by Jack Straw.