OVER half a million pounds is to be spent on tackling crime and anti-social behaviour in an East Lancashire trouble hotspot.

New CCTV networks, motion sensor lights, secure gates and doors and motorbike barriers are just some of the measures the police and crime commissioner plans on implementing in the Bank Hall and Fulledge areas of Burnley after the locations were identified as some of the county's worst trouble hotspots.

In total the police and crime commissioner Clive Grunshaw has managed to secure £700,000 from the Government's safe streets fund, with the remaining amount of money being used to make the area of Birchgreen in Skelmersdale a safer place.

Burnley MP Antony Higginbotham has since reacted to the news, saying he's confident the new funds will ensure less crimes are committed in the area.

He said: "This new money will help fund proven crime cutting measures, such as increased street lighting, CCTV and locked gates around alleyways – and I am confident that this will prevent and reduce crimes such as burglary and robbery in the areas that need it most.

"I want people everywhere to feel secure in their communities and be able to live their lives free from the threat of crime, and this extra funding for Lancashire will help make that possible."

The need for extra measures in certain areas was identified following research from the PCC's office - with strategies such as gating alleyways and a heightened CCTV network recognised as the best methods for tackling crime.

Mr Grunshaw, said: "This is welcome news and the funding will go some way to deterring burglary, thefts and other crimes.

"I am consistently told by Lancashire residents that tackling theft and burglary in their areas should be a priority for Lancashire Police.

"These crime prevention measures are proven to work and will make criminals think twice before engaging in illegal activities. It was clear from research done by my office that simple measures such as alley gates, CCTV and better locks on doors can reduce crime significantly.

"I want the people of Lancashire to feel safe in their communities and homes. Knowing that these prevention measures are in place will go some way to doing that. Tackling crime and reoffending is a key priority in my police and crime plan and it is welcome that this funding will help achieve that aim".

Speaking about the national project, Home Secretary Priti Patel added: “I will not stand by while criminals inflict fear and misery on our communities.

“That is why I set up this fund to ensure we are doing all we can to prevent people falling victim to these crimes.”