VISIONARY county council chiefs have set themselves eleven goals to propel Lancashire into the 21st Century.

County officers say the objectives presented in "A Vision for the 21st Century" -- their Local Agenda 21 strategy -- will help create a more secure future for Lancashire folk.

It was launched on Monday, World Environment Day.

The strategy, a blueprint for tackling major economic social and environmental problems, was put together with the help of sixty council managers and lays down 54 actions to make the council run more smoothly. County Councillor Frank McKenna said: "It is all about highlighting ways in which the council can contribute to a more sustainable and socially inclusive future for the residents of Lancashire.

"We have set ourselves eleven goals for sustainable development which range from using natural resources more efficiently to creating neighbourhoods and communities that are valued by the people who live there.

"As we work towards these goals, residents will see the benefits and worth of this policy.

"It is an extremely important step forward for us which is why we have chosen World Environment Day to launch the strategy. The goals we have set are not just a 'wish list'. We have a real commitment to achieving them and have set clear performance measures for reporting back annually.

"I hope that businesses, organisations and residents will work in partnership to make the vision a reality."

Councillors have visited several schemes this week to look at best practice, such as the battery recycling scheme at Booths Supermarket in Longton, the Crossways Centre in Leyland and the refurbished chemistry laboratory at Corpus Christi High School.