A NETWORK of "grassroots crimefighters" is to be established across Pendle in a bid crack crime and tackle anti-social behaviour.

The aim is to tailor anti-crime schemes to the needs of different areas of the borough by involving local people. Lancashire Chief Constable Pauline Clare backed the initiative when she addressed the official launch of the Community Safety Partnership at Nelson Town Hall last night.

She told an audience of around 60 people representing schools, businesses, the youth service and other organisations that the project tied in with both national and county police policy.

The partnership is being driven by Pendle Council, which has set aside £30,000 to "kick-start" the scheme. It is hoped that other funds will come from groups such as parish councils and businesses. But the council wants to take a back seat when it comes to proposing community projects to tackle problem areas.

"We want local groups to look at local problems," said council solicitor Philip Mousdale. "We see it as tackling a much wider range of problems than just crime, such as vandalism or other anti-social activities.

"We're very keen to ensure it's not a council-dominated project. We want local people and groups to be strongly involved.

"We want to avoid problems by looking at the design of projects, for example, something as simple as where to put a new play area. We may not want to put it right next to houses but it would need to be somewhere where children can get easily and safely."

The borough is to be split into five areas which will be able to form sub-committees. These will report to a steering committee which, in turn, will report to the Partnership board.

Organisers now hope to form a steering group involving the police, businesses and the ethnic community.

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