A major operation to stamp out issues in a crime hotspot will help ensure there are 'no hiding places' for criminals.

Government funding of more than £300,000 will be used to crack down in St Michael’s ward in Workington as part of an £18.3 million campaign across the country.

CCTV cameras, improved public lighting and security packs for residents will be among the measures employed in a bid to stamp out issues which have blighted the area.

Workington MP Mark Jenkinson lived in the ward until 2015 and claimed it had a “real drugs problem” and should benefit hugely from the Safer Streets Fund cash.

“There are a number of issues, predominantly centred around drugs," he said. "I lived the majority of my life there and have watched the area slide.

"We spent a lot of money tidying it up but it seemed it was on a downward trajectory.

“There is a real drugs problem and things need to be dealt with head on, using a multi-agency approach.

“A lot of the complaints are about anti-social behaviour, which often happens in areas where there is no CCTV or lighting. People gather there.

“Being able to light up areas where people hide or make drug deals should make a big difference.

“There needs to be no hiding places.

“I’m delighted to see this money coming to Cumbria.

"Using this money in a relatively small area, but one which is a hotspot, should really make a difference.”

Forty areas across England and Wales have been awarded cash to make streets safer through projects to crack down on neighbourhood crimes like burglary, vehicle theft and robbery.

Cumbria’s police and crime commissioner, Peter McCall, added: “The successful bid of £311,358 will be used to tackle residential burglaries and anti-social behaviour in St Michael’s ward in Allerdale with the use of CCTV and public lighting, as well as residents being offered security packs.

“I look forward to working alongside Cumbria Constabulary, Allerdale Local Focus Hub, the West Cumbria Community Safety Partnership, Allerdale Council and Cumbria County Council to improve the safety of the St Michael’s area – together we are making Cumbria an even safer place to live.”