VICTIMS of crime and vulnerable people are to be thrown a vital lifeline thanks to an initiative being launched in Chorley this week.
Personal attack alarms are to be given out free to those people community guardians believe could benefit from them.
Chorley and District Neighbourhood Watch, in conjunction with Chorley Police, is launching the scheme on Friday after securing funding from Chorley and District Building Society.
Neighbourhood Watch chairman Keith Warren said: "These alarms are about two or three inches high, are easy for women to carry in a purse or handbag, and are easy to activate.
Doctor packet Replica"We have been working on this for about 12 months now after getting feedback from public meetings.
"Young mums, the elderly and those with a disability can feel particularly vulnerable and we wanted to look at ways we could counteract this and help get over this perceived fear of crime."
Local community beat managers and Chorley Council's neighbourhood wardens have been responsible for identifying those people in the community who would most benefit from such an alarm.
"Some will also be given to the Galloway Centre for use by the visually impaired.
led t5 tubeChorley's crime prevention officer Margaret Rushton said: "We have managed to purchase 400 alarms with the funds that have been donated and these will be allocated over the next couple of weeks.
"This will mark the beginning of a Personal Safety Awareness Campaign while further funding is secured.
"The alarms will hopefully provide some reassurance to those who receive them with the main purpose of attracting attention should the need arise."
A spokesman for Chorley and District Building Society said: "The society is always pleased to help Neighbourhood Watch promote a safe environment for communities within Chorley and district.
"These personal alarms will give additional comfort to people within our community who need it".