A community scheme, which has helped reduce crime on a "problem" estate by 64% in just three years, has been nominated for a leading award.

The scheme at the Blackthorn estate in Northampton has seen crimes drop from 832 cases in 1998 to 292 in 2001.

Local residents of the estate got together with police and councils to try to cut burglary.

On Tuesday, the Blackthorn CASPAR, which stands for Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour Partnership, was named as one of four finalists for the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's Award for Urban Renaissance.

There is a very real sense of community spirit with local residents taking a real pride in their surroundings

Keith Davies, council leader

Scheme projects include more use of CCTV cameras, fencing in alleyways, improving lighting, installing locks and alarms, as well as new safer play areas for children.

The projects have been backed by Northampton Borough Council and Northamptonshire County Council.

Keith Davies, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: "The CASPAR project in Blackthorn has been a fantastic success.

"Since it was introduced three years ago, crime rates have fallen and there is a very real sense of community spirit with local residents taking a real pride in their surroundings.

"It is also particularly pleasing to see so many community projects now underway."

A Government statement praised the way the scheme had helped reduce crime on a "problem estate".