SIXTEEN schemes to improve Burnley's most deprived areas have been approved.

The projects totalling £1.7million from a total of three budgets of £2.8 million include £25,000 to attract an NHS dentist into the Burnley area through financing equipment and furnishings for the practice.

The dentist in return will accept up to 2,000 NHS patients for a minimum of three years.

It will be funded by the government's Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and will be spent in various areas, including Stoneyholme and Daneshouse, Accrington Road and Burnley Wood.

In the first year £318,318 is available, in the second £955,000 and in the third £1.273million.

Burnley council executive was told the indication from the Primary Care Group was that the general dental scheme would start in in the next financial year.

The executive approved the appointment of a community liaison officer at £86,000 over two years to link services, programmes and initiatives.

They also agreed to extend community support in Barclay ward at a cost of £57,000 over three years. The service is aimed at reducing the number of people who abandon their homes and at providing a service offering money and debt advice. It will link into other services including mental health, drugs, alcohol and welfare rights.

Approval was a global grants scheme to kick-start access to further training and skill development and supporting individual start-up grants for small businesses.

Coun Peter Kenyon welcomed the setting-up of a business broker scheme to involve the private sector in regeneration activity.

He added: "I welcome the appointment as broker champion of the chairman of Burnley Football club, Barry Kilby. It will be of great benefit to the town."

Council leader Stuart Caddy added: "He is very keen. I have no doubt he will be a real champion to the benefit of Burnley."

The committee heard a progress report on schemes approved including: learning and support workers, young firefighters, healthy living centre development worker, community health centre in South West Burnley, employment development worker, training and access point, tackling juvenile nuisance, improving facilities for young people, burglary safe and neighbourhood renewal, community safety development worker and a quality housing service.