GROUPS involved in a project to cut burglary in a deprived area of Kidderminster are celebrating a Government windfall of more than £10,000.

The Kidderminster Anti-Burglary Scheme also aims to tackle social isolation in Broadwaters with the help of the £10,100 awarded under the Home Office's Reducing Burglary initiative.

The programme, which involves police, Victim Support, Wyre Forest District Council and Wyre Forest Community Housing, will see housing officers visiting new residents to hand out packs containing advice and information about preventing burglary.

Crime victims will be offered increased support, in particular in the Grasmere Close and Windsor Drive areas where 34 burglaries were reported last year.

DC Neil Jarvis, Kidderminster Police crime risk manager, said: "Wyre Forest has a low burglary rate compared with national averages, but we are experiencing disproportionately high levels of crime at Grasmere Close and Windsor Drive.

"A significant factor in the problems experienced in these neighbourhoods is a sense of social isolation among residents.

"The aim of our new partnership project is to break down barriers and build up a framework of mutual support."

He added: "Our successful bid for funding will allow Wyre Forest Community Safety Partnership to carry out a sustained project enabling the community to assist in solving local problems."

The allocation is one of 12 new grants totalling £1.6 million awarded to schemes across the country.