A MAJOR campaign to improve community safety on Saltcotes Place, Lytham, has been launched by the police.

Working in partnership with Fylde Borough Council, the Lytham police undertook a major survey of residents to establish the underlying causes of crime and anti-social behaviour experienced in the area.

A team of ten police officers took to the streets in the area, visiting every home to question residents first-hand on their views of their immediate environment as well as their personal experiences of crime and disorder.

They were also asked if they are prepared to give up time for community work with such things as Neighbourhood Watch and organising sports activities for young people. The information gathered will now be analysed to determine the extent and nature of problems and develop plans for the future.

The campaign was prompted by an increase in complaints by residents in the area and this is the first exercise of its kind to be carried out in Lytham.

Acting Sergeant Peter Berisford, who is co-ordinating the exercise said: "Without a proper understanding of all the issues affecting the community, the police alone will only deal with the symptoms rather than tackle the causes."

Derek Hood, chairman of Saltcotes Residents' Association welcomes the initiative and commented: "The vast majority of people living on Saltcotes are decent and law-abiding but there is a small minority causing problems and reducing the quality of life for us all.

"The Residents' Association is working closely with the police on this project and we hope it will produce long term solutions to our problems."

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