KERRIER and Penwith district councils have been shortlisted for Beacon status in round five of the Beacon Council Scheme, recognising the work they have done jointly as a Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.

The joint application from Kerrier and Penwith is one of only two in the South West region.

A total of 19 authorities have been shortlisted nationally under the Crime and Disorder theme.

The West Cornwall Community Safety Partnership made its presentation to the Government Office's Beacon Council team. The next stage in the process is that a delegation from west Cornwall will visit the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, in London, on February 2 to make a further presentation. The final result of the application is expected in April.

David Sillifant, chairman of the West Cornwall Community Safety Partnership, said: "My own feeling is that the Government Office's inspectors quite clearly saw that the partnership had genuine roots within and across the whole community and was making a real impact in fostering joint working for a common aim."

Coun Pat Aston, Kerrier portfolio holder for social inclusion, added: "By working together we aim to make our communities free from crime and also free from the fear of crime, by harnessing the commitment not only of the statutory authorities but also of a wide range of community groups."