WITNESSES in courts across Lancashire are to be treated with more care following the introduction of the county's first Witness Care Provision agreement.

The new dealwas sealed in a unique ceremony involving police and criminal justice agencies at Lancashire constabulary headquarters.

Chief Constable Pauline Clare was on hand to sign the agreement and commented: "Anyone making their first visit to a court can feel very uneasy.

"This package aims to raise witnesses profile by taking common sense steps to make them feel more reassured. They'll have a position in the system they have never had but quite rightly deserve."

The 54 clauses in the new agreement cover preliminary contact with witnesses maintaining their confidentiality, as well as detailing special treatment for child witnesses and allegations of intimidation.

Informing witnesses of when cases will be heard as well as subsequent changes in trials also forms an important part of the new service.

And, for the first time, court familiarisation trips will be offered in an attempt to dispel feelings of unease.

The initiative has been welcomed by the Victim Support Service and has also been praised by the Chief Crown Prosecutor for Merseyside and Lancashire, Graham Brown.

The scheme forms part of a wide ranging review of administration in the criminal justice system to make it more streamlined, cost effective and accountable and Mr Brown commented: "It's appropriate the first phase of a comprehensive review of administration burdens in the system should concentrate on victims and witnesses who pay such an important part in the whole process."

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