A SCHEME designed to help prevent terrorism in East Lancashire has been officially updated.

The strategy agreed by Pendle Council's executive is also designed to counter radicalism.

Putting into practice the next stage of the Prevent Plan will include a seminar to help businesses be vigilant.

The leadership role of councillors in Pendle will be developed and council staff will also undergo more training.

Cllr David Whipp, who chairs Pendle Community Safety Partnership, said: “Our plan is designed to help us prevent the radicalisation of individuals in our area and to tackle the ideology which incites terrorism.

“The atrocities in Manchester and London highlight the challenges we face in Britain and we all have an important role to play in preventing terrorism.”

Pendle has a duty under the Government’s Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to work with a range of organisations to stop people becoming radicalised and to tackle extremism and terrorism.

Cllr Whipp added: “We know how vital it is to communicate and work effectively with communities and this includes working with our schools and Nelson and Colne College.

“We are not afraid to discuss and tackle difficult issues."