RESIDENTS in parts of Darwen are feeling safer in their homes after security measures were installed as part of a new scheme.

People concerned that they may be targeted by thieves or bogus callers contacted the borough's neighbourhood co-ordinator Elaine Gillibrand for help and were put in touch with Groundwork Blackburn's Rapid Response Project.

The aim of the project is for people in the community, with the help of Elaine, to identify areas which are neglected, poorly maintained or have been vandalised.

Once they are highlighted the team gets started on completing the tasks to make the area safer and look nicer.

The team is made up of 18 to 25-year-olds on New Deal and Environmental Task Force placements and supervisors employed by Groundwork.

They have recently been busy installing a variety of door locks, door viewers, night latches, window locks, security panels and back gates to a number of properties in Darwen.

Anyone with projects they would like to see carried out at homes in and around the town centre should contact Elaine Gillibrand on 01254 585100.

People who have been unemployed for a length of time and want to find out more about the Rapid Response Team can go through their personal advisor at Job Centre Plus and ask for a placement with Groundwork Blackburn.