CUSTOMERS of small shops in rundown North-East communities are to benefit from a share of £5.8m to help improve security, Home Secretary David Blunkett announced last night.

The region is to get almost £500,000 to help dozens of shops pay for improved security measures such as burglar alarms, better locks and closed-circuit security cameras (CCTV).

It will also pay for environmental improvements to make shopping parades look better and feel safer.

"Strong communities are vital if we are to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in the North-East," said Mr Blunkett.

"Small shops have a certain role to play in this because the create jobs, boost the local community, provide essential facilities, spur regeneration and increase local civic pride.

"But when shopkeepers and local people feel unsafe or businesses are targeted by criminals, businesses decline and shops close, starting what can be the beginning of a downward spiral for a neighbourhood."

More than 5,400 shops across the country will benefit from the Security for Small Retailers Scheme.

Mr Blunkett said the money would allow shopkeepers and customers to feel more secure and ensure local retailers remain at the heart of their communities.

Projects and the amount allocated along with the areas that will benefit are:

Hartlepool CCTV, £24,000; Assisting Small Retailers in Middlesbrough, £35,000; Whale Hill Shopping Centre, Eston, Redcar, £24,000; Shop Watching in Easington, £35,000, Wear Valley Safer Retailers Initiative, £24,000; Teesdale Safer Retailers; Billingham Shops Improvement Project, Stockton, £35,000; Small Retailers CCTV Scheme, Darlington, £20,000; Creating Safer Shops in Chester West and Grange Villa, Chester-le-Street, £10,000; City of Durham Small Retailers Crime Prevention Scheme, £10,000; Sedgefield Shop Front, £20,000; Small Retailers Initiative, Derwentside, £20,000; Digital Camera Safe Project, Sunderland, £35,000; South Tyneside CCTV Scheme, £35,000; Smaller Retailer Scheme, Gateshead, £24,000; Newcastle Retailers Scheme, £35,000.