HOMES in the Mill Hill area of Blackburn are being targeted in a Whitehall initiative aimed at tackling crime, anti-social behaviour and urban decay.

The 'Hollin Bank Triangle', which covers an area bounded by Hollin Bridge Street and Hollin Street, is one of 73 areas across the country to benefit from a share of a £1.1million windfall.

The cash will pay for a variety of measures, including gates to close off notorious alleyways in a bid to keep out thieves and yobs.

Other projects include improving pathways and communal areas, securing open spaces by installing bollards, and adding lighting, or CCTV.

A total of £10,000 will be spent in Mill Hill. Environmental charity Groundwork, in partnership with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), will work with communities to carry out the local projects. Community leaders have welcomed the cash boost.

Community beat manager for Mill Hill, Ewood and Lower Darwen, Julie Titterington, said: "There is a lot of juvenile crime in the Mill Hill area, particularly in the back alleys of Hollin Bridge Street, New Wellington Street and Moor Street.

"I was only talking to the kids the other day and they were complaining of having nowhere to play. Having a secure area where they can ride bikes and play football will be an extra benefit. The Neighbourhood Watch is really good in the Mill Hill community and forcing potential criminals round the fronts of properties, coupled with better street lighting, means they will be seen. The funding is sure to have an impact on the crime level."