TOWN hall bosses in Blackburn have been handed money to help communities deal with the recession.

The Government has dished out grants to 27 deprived areas after fears were raised about some sectors of the community feeling excluded.

Ministers said the action was being taken as traditional white, working-class communities in England felt 'under pressure' from social and economic changes.

Some £6,000 has been given to spark initiatives in the town.

A Blackburn with Darwen Council spokesman said the money could be spent on youth projects in Little Harwood, Blackburn.

Council leader Mike Lee said: "We welcome this announcement which, although not a huge amount of money, builds on the work being done across the borough ranging from advice and support on education, skills, employment, welfare rights and debt counselling as well as giving people a voice through neighbourhood voices and neighbourhood boards.

"Like the rest of the UK, our residents are facing the challenges of recession so we want to ensure the council and its partners offer support to help people steer a successful course through these difficult times."

Communities Secretary John Denham added: "Practical actions delivered on estates and streets will focus on developing a real insight into what is happening in those communities and introduce changes that will address local people's concerns, reconnect them with jobs and tackle the real and perceived sense of unfairness some people are feeling."