RESEARCHERS are asking how safe people in Blackburn are when shopping, studying and spending leisure time in the town centre.

The perceptions study has been commissioned by the Blackburn Business Improvement District (BID) in partnership with the criminology and criminal justice department at the Blackburn University Centre and forms part of measures to increase visitors to the town.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The survey and focus groups will investigate the public’s perceptions of crime and safety within the town centre and if or how this impacts on their current shopping or parking habits.

The research is being led by Hayley Bury, a second year undergraduate studying a degree in criminology and criminal justice.

She said: “We’re interested in seeing whether improvements to our environment, making the town a nicer place will change people’s behavior and improve people’s perceptions of the town as a place they feel comfortable spending time in.”

The BID’s Harriet Roberts added: “Our policing and security operation in the town centre is of an extremely high standard thanks to the award winning Blackburn Businesses Against Crime Team and the partnership work we are involved in with Lancashire Police.

“Blackburn is undergoing a radical improvement.

“The BID is working with a range of partners to invest in measures to help fill empty shops by attracting and supporting new businesses, make the town greener and cleaner and also make people feel safer and secure so that they will want to shop here.”

If you would like to take part in a focus group send an email to info@black burnbid.co.uk. Participants will receive a £30 M &S voucher.

You can also share your views by visiting www.instant.ly/s/s3Mci