A £4.4million package of schemes to breathe new life into the most deprived areas of Pendle is set to get under way.

The first phase of the Government's three-year Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme is set to be given the go-ahead by Lancashire county chiefs, targeting nearly £100,000 to kick start improvements in Whitefield, Bradley, Waterside, Walverden, Southfield, Brierfield and Marsden wards in the next few months.

The aim is to bring back pride to the depressed districts, with a series of initiatives to boost jobs, improve education and housing, cut crime and improve the environment.

While other areas of Lancashire which have also been awarded Neighbourhood Renewal cash are still formulating their plans, Pendle is set to get the schemes under way, says a report to county councillors.

And while spending is described as "modest" this year, the programme will rapidly build up in the months ahead.

The initial programme will see cash spent on developing housing initiatives to tackle the growing problem of private sector housing where 40 per cent of homes are considered unfit in some wards.

A dedicated park ranger will be employed in Marsden Park to help with the planned major refurbishment of Nelson's premier park.

A total of £215,000 will be spent over three years on providing cash help to poor households to improve energy efficiency and ensure warmth in winter.

Two neighbourhood wardens will be employed in Bradley Ward to restore public confidence and reduce the fear of crime. The wardens will link into youth and community work to reduce burglary, vandalism and criminal damage in this pilot scheme for the borough.

An anti-social behaviour warden is to be employed to improve the quality of life of people suffering nuisance.

A further £100,000 is to be spent over three years providing modern apprenticeships for young people in the deprived areas.

A major £245,000 scheme aims at restoring neighbourhood pride into the wards, encouraging people to clean up their streets and providing practical support to make areas brighter and better.

Some £300,000 will be spent on improving health and social services in the target areas and libraries will be used to develop educational opportunities.