ONE of the wealthiest men in the country, The Duke of Westminster, made a whirlwind visit to Blackburn and applauded efforts to pump new life into one of the poorest areas in Lancashire.

He spoke of the "tremendous improvements" which have been made to the Bank Top ward, which has seen a drop in burglaries and street disturbances and an increase in employment, training and education.

The developments are a result of the Blackburn Partnership Bank Top Employers' Forum, which brings together both the private and public sector in the fight for better conditions for residents.

The Duke said: "It is quite incredible what can happen with a bit of initiative. These improvements are very straight forward but it takes a partnership like this to make them happen."

During his visit to Bank Top's Wensley Fold Primary School, he met members of the partnership, along with Blackburn Council, police, voluntary bodies, local companies and residents and also toured the school's new landscaped gardens.

Headmaster at Wensley Fold, Mr Peter Kavanagh, said: "The grounds are more environmentally friendly and contain a teaching area. The gardens have a calming effect on pupils which results in less behavioural problems as a result."

Partnership chief executive Mr Peter Robinson said: "The school grounds are just one of many aims and objectives for an economic and social regeneration in the area. The Duke is very involved in the business of the partnership."

Chief Inspector Paul Reynolds from Blackburn police, said: "There was a lot of trouble with street disturbances in 1992 but crime and anti-social behaviour is now on the decrease and community safety has risen. We couldn't have done this without the partnership help."

Vice-chairman of the Bank Top Community Association, chemist owner Mr Mukhtar Sharif said: "I had problems with unruly youths and window breakages but things have improved now with the help of the partnership."

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