A SCHEME designed to keep troubled teenagers off the streets of Burnley is under threat.

The future of the Burnley Youth Inclusion Project (BYIP), based on Stoops Estate, is uncertain after the Youth Justice Board is set to cut funding in March.

It provides a lifeline for up to 50 young people, aged 13 to 17, who are referred to the project by police, social services or the education department.

Support workers not only help teenagers but their immediate family and friends to tackle issues such as substance misuse, family breakdown, anger manage-ment and sexual health.Since the project was launched in 2005, anti-social behaviour on the estate has dropped by 40 per cent, according to according to crime reduction charity Nacro.

Coun Julie Cooper, Labour group leader on Burnley Council, said: "It always seems to be the worst-affected areas which are being hit hardest by these cuts.

"I was at a Burnley Action Partnership meeting and people said they are all extremely worried about funding for a variety of different projects."

The project has been backed by Lancashire Cou-nty Council chairman Coun Chris Holtom and Coun Mark Perks, the cabinet member for young people, who visited Parkside Meth-odist Church, in Myrtle Avenue, to find out more about it.

Debbie Air, Nacro’s Lancashire area manager, said: “The project has never failed to perform to a high standard and deliver its expected outcomes, meeting the targets for both its funders and its local comm-unity and young people.

“Since 2006, there has been a dramatic reduction in criminal damage and anti-social behaviour across the areas the project covers and, our unique service, without a doubt, has contributed to this significant reduction.

“We understand there has to be cuts but we are all saddened by the fact that funding for this project ends at the end of March.”