FIGHTING and anti-social behaviour that spills over from pubs and into takeaways is the target of a new crackdown.

A Takeaway Watch initiative is being launched this week in Rossendale to help reduce incidents of disorder in fast food restaurants and improve safety for both staff and customers.

The scheme, which is being run jointly by Rossendale Community Partnership and Rossendale police, has been given £7,500 by the Home Office Small Retailers' Fund and Lancashire Partnership Against Crime. It is believed to be the first scheme of its kind in Lancashire.

Five takeaways in Bacup town centre, including Tony's Pizza and Kebab House, in Yorkshire Street, and The Khansab, in Market Street, and one in Whitworth have already signed up to the initiative.

These restaurants will have CCTV units fitted to help police gather evidence on offenders as well as to help deter any troublemakers.

The organisers are planning to roll out the Takeaway Watch scheme to fast food restaurants throughout the Valley in the near future.

Rossendale community safety officer Trish Ellins said: "By introducing this initiative we aim to decrease the amount of violent incidents and racial abuse. We also want to reassure the public and business owners that Rossendale is a safe place to live, visit and invest in.

"We want to make the public feel safe to use these establishments at any time without the fear that they will be subjected to abuse or violence."

Sgt Tim Smith, from Bacup Police, added: "As part of the scheme, CCTV units will be installed in the shops to enable us to get the best evidence in order to apprehend and prosecute offenders.

"Some of the outlets will also join the town centre radio scheme, which will provide a link to the police and other businesses to alert us to any problems."