A PIONEERING scheme to tackle youth crime and unemployment and promote community spirit in deprived areas of Blackburn and Darwen has been launched.

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has identified key deprived areas and targeted them under the Community Regeneration Zones (CRZ) programme.

The first of these zones, in Mill Hill and Green Lane, have been launched and the project will encourage local people to take an active role in improving their neighbourhoods and their lives.

A closed-circuit television system has been installed near the Mill Hill Community Centre and a new young persons' centre is being set up in New Chapel Street, by the Youth Works group.

In the Green Lane zone, a canal towpath between Blackburn Infirmary and Green Lane bridge has been partially resurfaced for walkers and cyclists by the Environmental Task Force and private contractors, in partnership with the council and British Waterways.

Work has also started on the design of a new football pitch for the Green Lane Community Centre. Both Green Lane and Mill Hill community centres have been kitted out with laptop computers to aid homework clubs for schoolchildren. Funding for the zones has been provided by Blackburn with Darwen Council and two further zones will be set up in the Galligreaves area of Blackburn and Darwen town centre later this year.

Councillor Gail Barton said: "I am delighted that Mill Hill will benefit from being one of the first CRZs in Blackburn with Darwen.

"It should enable additional monies to be made available, but the biggest benefit will be from working together with the community, pulling together and targeting resources where they are needed most."

Coun Maureen Rishton added: "This venture sees the start of a new and promising future for leisure facilities for this area of Blackburn with Darwen and will go a long way towards occupying young people in giving them a feel for competitive sport."

Anyone wishing to join in should ring Blackburn with Darwen Council on 01254 585585.

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