A SCHEME to beat crime in the Fylde by encouraging different agencies to work together with the police has been hailed a success in its first year.

The strategy, set up as part of the Crime And Disorder Act, involves the police working with the borough and county councils, the health authority and other agencies to create a united effort to beat crime.

Target figures were set for set for different criminal activities as well as for road safety.

And last year saw crime in the Fylde Borough fall by 10 per cent meaning 365 fewer people were victims of criminal activity.

There were also 400 fewer cases of nuisance and disorder reported which represented a 15.5 per cent fall on the previous year.

The least successful part of the scheme was a small 2.2 per cent fall in criminal damage, substantially below the ten per cent target figure. A road safety campaign, however, was seen as influential in leading to a reduction in traffic casualties by 21 per cent. Police community safety manager Bernie Lillystone said: "The point of the project is to get different agencies talking to each other and working together.

"We are very pleased with the results so far as we have exceeded most of our targets.

"It shows what can be achieved by listening to people more and asking what the want and what problems particularly affect them."

Further initiatives planned for next year include a scheme whereby those arrested for drug use will be referred for help to overcome their addiction.

It is also hoped a scheme to allow young people to use school sports facilities during holidays, which is currently operating in Kirkham, will be extended.

Fylde police divisional commander Chief Supt Richard Taylor said: "Our thanks go to all the people who have supported the partnership in its first year.

"Our success in terms of crime and disorder reduction is tremendous but there will be no complacency on our part."