ONE of the unfair taints people living on so-called problem estates have to put up with is that all the residents' values are the same as those causing the problems.

It is not so. Only a minority drag an area down.

What better proof of that - and of the fact that problem estates can be turned around - than the awards won by schemes which have improved life and reduced crime on two estates in East Lancashire, both with direct involvement of residents?

For we see the Stoops and Hargher Clough estates at Burnley - the scene of riots in 1992 - now enjoying better health services, more help for families, a better environment, safer streets and less vandalism - thanks to a partnership approach which invited local people to take part in crime prevention plans, family support and other services.

And at Blackburn's Roman Road estate, an initiative to get young people involved in confidence-boosting approaches to improve their environment has contributed to a 35 per cent drop in juvenile nuisance-type crime.

The schemes are testimony to the fact that not everyone living on problem estates is from a problem family and that, given the opportunity to have some control and input, people will use it to make life better.

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