FOUR areas of Chorley have been chosen in a plan to cut crime by targeting dimly-lit crime hotspots.

Astley Village, Clayton Brook, Eaves Green and Euxton are to get new street lighting schemes.

Schemes costing a total of £320,000 are planned for 24 sites countywide as part of the Local District Community Safety Partnerships project.

Lancashire County Council says the idea is to use the lighting as 'natural surveillance' which will give people extra confidence when they are out.

Studies show that this kind of scheme can reduce victimisation by 25 per cent; personal crime by 25 per cent; outside theft and vandalism by 40 per cent; vehicle theft and damage by 37 per cent; and crime rates by 14 per cent.

County Coun Nora Ward, cabinet member for highways and transportation, who approved the scheme, said: "It is vital that we do everything we can to make people feel safe in their communities.

"Evidence shows that crime can be cut in areas that are well lit as they give potential criminals less opportunities.

"We have secured the funding for this project through our Local Transport Plan.

"The district councils and police have been instrumental in selecting the target areas and will continue to play a part in monitoring the scheme."