VICTIMS and witnesses are losing faith in the criminal justice system, says a local support group.

The view is expressed by Burnley, Clitheroe and Pendle Victim Support which is calling for more volunteers to help meet the needs of local crime victims and court witnesses.

IT says the trend of public dissatisfaction has become clear at a time when the government has set new targets to cut crime.

National survey results commissioned by Victim Support will be released this week during Victim Support Week 2000 when people's attitudes towards crime and the criminal justice system will be revealed.

Latest recorded crime figures in Burnley, Clitheroe and Pendle show a decrease of eight per cent.

But, said Victim Support's Gordon Coyles, a fall in recorded crime did not mean actual crime levels were down and referrals to the scheme may actually go up.

In the past year they had received 4,750 referrals and the Burnley Crown Court Witness Service supported about 2000 witnesses.

"Victims can feel they suffer twice, once from the crime itself and once from the justice process," said Mr Coyles.

People, he went on, were disillusioned, fed up or just didn't have enough information about what was going on in the criminal justice system. "Our volunteers are here to help anyone who needs it," he added.

The effects of crime could be devastating and the volunteers provided the opportunity for help and support playing a vital role in the recovery process after a crime.

Anyone thinking of volunteering can get more information from the Victim Support volunteer recruitment line 0845 306 2000 or apply on-line at: www.victimsupport-volunteer.org

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.