AT least one East Lancashire council is set to be chosen to receive government cash to help tackle anti-social behaviour.

As part of the drive to crack down on louts, 40 local authorities in deprived areas are to become respect zones.' Although the successful councils have not been named it is believed at least one of the area's six local authorities will get funds, with Blackburn and Darwen widely believed to be ideal for the scheme.

Deprivation, truancy and school exclusion rates were among the factors used by the government to choose zones.

These, coupled with the fact that Lancashire has handed out one of the highest number of ASBOs per head of population, means several of East Lancashire council's could meet the required criteria.

ASBOs were launched by the Blackburn MP Jack Straw - then Home Secretary - in 1999. However, the Home Office said the areas selected were not just the worst areas in the country to live but had specific problems.

Coun Kate Hollern, Blackburn with Darwen Council leader, said she would be delighted if the authority was chosen.

She said the cash would help complement the 100 Voices campaign, launched by the council and backed by the Lancashire Telegraph, to break down social barriers.

Coun Hollern said: "If we got it I would be very pleased. Blackburn with Darwen has done so much work but there is so much more that needs to be done.

"The money would also complement the 100 Voices campaign in getting that understanding and mutual respect."

Coun Peter Britcliffe, Hyndburn Council leader, said: "We do have problems in some areas of Hyndburn with anti-social behaviour and it would be money we could spend very well. We don't have that much in council coffers and the money would be very much welcomed."

The 40 successful councils chosen across England and Wales will be announced next month. They will be expected use their full powers to combat anti-social behaviour.

To June 2005 the government said 237 ASBOs had been dished out in Lancashire. Burnley was the ASBO capital of the county with 44. Blackburn with Darwen obtained 14 orders, Hyndburn 12, Rossendale 10, Pendle nine,and Ribble Valley four.