A NEW Community Safety Strategy has been drawn up by Wyre Borough Council marking the start of a three-year process to slash crime and social disorder in the region.

The strategy will be implemented by the Community Safety Partnership, a group of agencies including Lancashire County Council, Lancashire Constabulary and Wyre Borough Council, helped in their quest by Neighbourhood Watch and Victim Support.

The strategy document highlights six areas of concern in Wyre - domestic burglary, drug and alcohol misuse, violence, juvenile nuisance, road safety and car crime - and sets out ways to combat them.

Supt Bernard Lawson of Lancashire Constabulary said: "This strategy sees the start of a three-year task to improve safety. Community safety is not only about crime and social disorder, but also about quality of life for all sections of society."

Mick Piela of the county council added: "The work has got off to a good start. Groups are already getting together and making progress to assess the situation and tackle problem areas. Joined up thinking is the key phrase."

Wyre council leader Richard Anyon, added: "Just about everyone I meet these days is concerned about crime. This new partnership and the new strategy offer a tremendous opportunity to significantly improve safety in Wyre."

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