DOZENS of firms on a Clitheroe industrial estate are linking up to fight crime.

All businesses on Link 59 Business Park will use e-mail to keep in touch with police, and hold regular breakfast meetings to discuss issues such as security.

The Business Watch scheme has been developed with the Environment Agency, Lanca-shire Business Environment Association, Ribble Valley Council and police.

The initiative will be officially launched today by Chief Superintendent David Mallaby, divisional comm-ander of Eastern Division and Business Watch signs will be put up on the estate to warn criminals.

Mr Mallaby said: "Part-nership working is essential when it comes to reducing and combating crime so I am delighted with the Business Watch Scheme.

"The more businesses and individuals able to work with local police and other organisations like the Environment Agency and the Lancashire Business Environment Association, the better.

"From our point our view, the fact that local businesses are looking out for each other and keeping in touch with us should reap significant rewards in terms of crime prevention and detection."

John Blanc, the managing director of Fish-House Ltd, a company on Link 59, said: "By working closely with our sponsors we are hopeful that the creation of a Business Watch scheme will help to reduce crime in the area.

"I consider that a new extensive network of communications between all companies linked directly to the local police to be a positive step forward."

The scheme is similar to ones already up and running in Blackburn, Altham and Pendle and is part of a wider partnership project aimed at tackling waste crime.

The launch will take place at the Pavilion Restaurant, Shackletons' Garden Centre, Chatburn Road, Clitheroe, at 9am.