A JOINT strategy for stamping out crime and anti-social behaviour will be discussed at a town hall meeting next week.

Council, police, health and community representatives will tell residents about the progress of Hyndburn's crime audit.

The audit was published in October as part of the Government's Crime and Disorder Act.

Working groups have been drawing up action plans on various issues in different parts of the borough.

The strategy, which must be in place by the end of April, will initially focus on problems in Accrington town centre, Eachill and Huncoat's Within Grove estate.

Community issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, youth education and training and road accident reduction will also come under the spotlight.

Steering committee member Mary-Ann Renton, of Hyndburn Council, said: "Six groups have been set up to tackle particular problems and invite people from the community to help.

"We will be seeking people's views on the plan."

Members of the public are invited to attend the meeting at Accrington town hall on Monday, February 1, starting at 7.30pm.

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