Police carried out checks on drivers and met with businesses in Darwen as part of a ‘day of action’.

On Wednesday police teams said they focused primarily on the town centre and Sunnyhurst areas of the town.

An operation with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA,) saw seven Prohibition Notices issued for a variety of motor vehicle defects. One vehicle was deemed too dangerous to be on the road.

Speed and driving enforcement was carried out in Earnsdale Road and Pole Lane, resulting in advice to several drivers and one driver being reported for having no insurance. 

Additionally, an abandoned vehicle was seized by the response team.

An operation alongside Trading Standards saw a large quantity of illicit tobacco, cigarettes and vapes seized from a number of premises.

Councillors joined police and elsewhere illegal tobacco was seizedOfficers also found time to visit a local school to speak to childrenA spokesperson for Darwen Neighbourhood Team said: “We met with our Town Centre businesses and traders in order to discuss the support that we can offer.

"The month of December will bring an increased, visible Police presence to our businesses as they prepare for a busy, festive period."

“We attended Avondale School after receiving reports of antisocial and potentially unsafe parking.

"Words of advice were given to a number of drivers, education provided and the children had fun trying to arrest our PCSO Mark.

“Our ‘Coffee with a Cop’ took place at Darwen Library where we met with several local residents.

"We listened to their concerns and will ensure that they are acted upon. Keep your eyes peeled, as this is going to be a monthly initiative.”

In the evening, officers also met local councillors and spent time at known hotspots in order to tackle drug dealing and the antisocial riding of e-bikes and off-road bikes.