SHOPS are to be given a security boost after a £15million grant aimed at deprived areas was announced by the Government.

Eighteen schemes in the north west will benefit from the three-year crime-busting scheme with funding allocated to five counties. In Lancashire, Blackburn and Darwen is to receive £26,442 while Pendle will get £18,509.

The money will be targeted at a selection of areas that fall within the 10 per cent most deprived wards. Police and council said today they would look at where and how the money would be spent.

Crime and Disorder Reduction partnerships covering the selected areas will be advised on how to identify needy areas which will benefit most. Once selected retailers will be approached to take part in the scheme.

Chief Inspector Mick Gledhill, of Blackburn Police, today welcomed the funding. He said: "It is great news that the area will benefit from this funding. We will need to make sure that we target the right areas and to make sure those areas will benefit from it."

Around £6million will be available under the scheme in each of the next two years for all those areas on the north west that have been targeted. The allocation for years two and three will be announced next April.

Items that will be funded as part of the scheme will depend on the requirements of each individual project, but they could include installation of CCTV and alarms, improved security lighting and enhanced security for individual shops such as better locks and toughened glass. There could also be facelifts for run-down shopping areas.

Home office minister John Denham, who has overall responsibility for crime reduction, said: "Local shops are at the heart of our communities and when they close, valuable services are lost. It is important that every region receives help to tackle the crime and anti-social behaviour that blights shops in some of our most impoverished communities."

Dave Panaro, of D&K News, in Fishmoor Drive, could be one of the shops to benefit from the scheme. Today he welcomed the news: "There is quite a bit of crime around here and I have already got CCTV cameras. The money would be useful to put in place other security measures."