THE latest stage in a project which has helped cut crime in Sudellside, Darwen, by a third is to be launched this week.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson, is guest of honour at the official launch of a new all-weather 'kickabout' area in Rose Street.

The £30,000 facility has been developed by staff, volunteers and young people at Groundwork's Youth Works project.

Youth Works operates in areas where young people are at risk of drifting into vandalism, drug abuse and other crime and offers them new challenges.

It was launched in April 1998 and police statistics show that, between 1997 and 1999, there was a fall of 11.95 per cent in juvenile nuisance, 50 per cent in house burglary and a 33.26 drop overall in crime in Sudellside.

The new recreation area was designed by landscape architects from Groundwork and funded by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the National Lottery Charities Board.

Local youngsters have decided to mark the opening of their new pitch with a five-a-side football match and have asked Janet Anderson to present the awards.

Youth Works' project manager Gwilym Hall, said: "The five-a-side competition will be just a start.

"The young people involved with us have bags of enthusiasm and energy - and a pitch like this offers space for lots of activities all year round."

Youth Works in Darwen is a partnership involving Groundwork, Crime Concern, Marks and Spencer and Whitbread, supported by the Government's single regeneration budget via Blackburn with Darwen Council.

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