BURNLEY has received further government praise for its crime-busting Dordrecht Initiative scheme.

The pioneering project, launched by Home Office Minister Alun Michael, was recently visited by the Home Affairs Select Committee which was compiling a report on non-custodial penalties.

The chairman, Chris Mullin MP, has since written commending the work of the Burnley partners and the foresight shown by Burnley Council in setting up and supporting the project.

"I suspect it may have far reaching implications for dealing with these offenders,'' he wrote.

The Initiative targets persistent offenders with a "carrot and stick" approach which encourages them to mend their ways with help and support.

It is based on a scheme run by the Dutch city of Dordrecht.

An up-date on progress of the scheme was given to members of Burnley's community safety sub-committee.

Safety officer Graham Smyth reported that two people had successfully completed their formal participation but remained in voluntary contact.

Nine were working with the Initiative in the community, another four were due to be released from prison into the scheme and a further three were awaiting assessment.

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