A CRIME-ridden suburb of Preston could soon be transformed into a newly developed area following the publication of a 'from the horse's mouth' report.

The Planning for Real report focuses on the issues affecting people in Tanterton. It is a culmination of a year-long project which had people putting forward their ideas for the future of their community.

Much of the work has been supported through Lancashire Global Education Centre in association with Preston Borough Council with money from the National Lotteries Charity Board.

Many of the issues in the report will now be brought to the attention of voluntary and statutory groups in the area and new developments could soon be on the horizon. These include areas such as health, housing, community facilities, environment and public transport.

Lancashire Global Education Centre spokesman Karen Martyniuk said: "Local people know what the issues are that affect their lives and this project has given them the opportunity to work towards solutions."

The project group's report has be praised by police who say they welcome any initiative that aims to understand and help local communities.

Over the year's Tanterton has been labelled as a crime hotspot -- a well-rooted reputation the Planning for Real steering group is determined to shake off.

But some business leaders in Tanterton find it hard to believe. Licensee of the Falkland's Hero pub Tracey Taylor, who took over as manager of the pub last week, says she is at her wits end with the youngsters who hang around looking for trouble.

Recently young thugs smashed windows at the Village Green Lane pub. "The damage caused to the property is going to cost hundreds," said Tracey

"We've just had CCTV installed to help protect the premises but the children just hang around here all the time and cause a nuisance."

And on Sunday, July 15, firecrews were called to Tanterton Pharmacy in Tag Lane after newspapers were set on fire causing smoke damage to an exterior wall and roof.

Assistant manager of the Spar shop in Village Green, Ingol, Alan Sharratt said: "There needs to be more police and a punishment to fit the crime."

Police say the crime and nuisance problems in Tanterton are not unique to communities and usually created by a small number of young people. Inspector David Taylor of Central Division added: "They just think they can do what they like when they like. And Spar shops do attract them. But any initiative that specifically seeks to understand and help would be welcomed by the police."