Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw is supporting a new radio scheme aimed at tackling crime in Accrington.

Mr Grunshaw authorised over £2000 via Hyndburn Community Safety Partnership to expand the Town Link Radio Scheme which connects shops and police to allow them to exchange information about crime in the town centre.

The expansion is intended to allow greater use of the radios and to replace or repair older units in order to help identify and deter criminals.

On a visit to Tesco in Accrington to inspect the scheme Mr Grunshaw said: "This scheme has helped businesses in Accrington work together to tackle crime, working with officers to bring offenders to justice whilst deterring potential shop lifters from targeting the area.

He added: "Working together is a vital part of making our communities safer, with relatively small amounts of funding able to make a big difference in areas across the county, supporting organisations who have great ideas to tackle crime."

The commissioner says that tacking crime and reoffending is one of his key priorities and that the radio scheme is vital to allowing businesses to engage with their local policing team.